A hostel advert gives you a price. Before you decide whether you can afford the room, you need to know exactly what that price covers.
In observations shared with iHostels, the founder reports examples of additional agent charges of ₦100,000–₦150,000 around Malete. These are local observations, not a measured market average. Your own quote may be different, which is why a room-specific breakdown matters.
Request a written breakdown
Ask the accommodation provider to list the rent and every other amount required before you move in. Use the following as a question list, not as an assumption that every hostel charges for each item.
| Possible item | What to ask |
|---|---|
| Rent | Which room does it cover, for how long, and for how many occupants? |
| Agent or service fee | Who receives it, what service does it cover, and when is it payable? |
| Agreement charge | What document will you receive and what terms does it contain? |
| Caution deposit | Is it refundable? What deductions or conditions apply? |
| Utilities and maintenance | Which costs are included, which recur, and how are shared bills divided? |
Confirm whether the quoted rent covers one year, one academic session or a different period. If you will share, ask whether the amount is per person or for the room as a whole.
Compare total costs, not the largest number in the advert
Consider this illustrative comparison between two rooms for the same rental period:
- Room A: ₦400,000 rent plus ₦150,000 compulsory extra charges = ₦550,000.
- Room B: ₦450,000 rent plus ₦50,000 compulsory extra charges = ₦500,000.
Room A has the lower advertised rent, but Room B has the lower subtotal. These are made-up examples to explain the calculation, not actual rooms listed on iHostels. Additional costs and differences in facilities could still change the comparison.
Keep refundable deposits separate in your notes: they still affect the cash you need upfront, even if the provider says they can be returned later. Record recurring costs separately too.
Five questions to send before paying
- What is the total compulsory amount needed to move into this exact room?
- How much is rent, and what period does it cover?
- Which fees are one-off, recurring or refundable?
- Does the amount change if I contact the owner directly or share the room?
- Can you confirm this breakdown and the rental terms in writing?
A message you can use
“Hello, I’m interested in this room. Please send the rent period, exact room details and a breakdown of all compulsory charges before move-in. Please also confirm which costs recur and whether any deposit is refundable.”
Check the exact room you are paying for
Rooms within a single hostel can differ in size, fittings, condition and rental terms. If your quote differs from another student’s, compare those details before assuming the rooms should cost the same.
Inspect the room, clarify any promised repairs, and confirm who is authorised to offer it and receive payment. Keep a copy of the agreed breakdown and the receipt for any payment.
On iHostels, use the listing’s messaging option to ask about costs, then request a free tour to inspect the room. Free tours do not mean accommodation itself is free or that other provider charges disappear.
Browse hostels around KWASU and compare the full price before choosing.
Have a Malete housing experience to share? Contact iHostels. We welcome corrections and first-hand experiences. Please do not send payment credentials or someone else’s personal details.
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