The real cost of finding a hostel in Malete

For students at Kwara State University in Malete, finding accommodation is about more than locating an empty room. It also means working out the actual price, understanding what the price includes, and deciding whether the room is worth the total amount being requested.

A room can look affordable at first, then become much more expensive once other charges appear. Two students in the same hostel may also receive different quotes. Without a clear breakdown, it is difficult to tell whether they are paying for different rooms, different terms, or simply dealing with different intermediaries.

These are the information gaps iHostels is working to address: helping students compare room prices, contact accommodation providers and request hostel tours for free.

1. The price on the room is only the starting point

In the founder’s observations, rooms quoted at ₦200,000–₦300,000 have become difficult to find in Malete. That does not establish that no rooms exist within that range. It does mean students should check current availability rather than build a budget around an old quote.

Before comparing prices, confirm whether each quote covers a year, an academic session or another period. Also confirm whether it is for the whole room or one occupant’s share.

Different prices within one hostel are worth questioning, but they are not automatically evidence of unfair pricing. Room size, condition, facilities, payment timing and the agreed rental period may differ. Ask what explains the difference and request the price for the specific room you intend to take.

The useful comparison is the same kind of room, for the same period, with every compulsory charge included.

2. What gets added to the advertised rent?

The founder reports examples of agents requesting ₦100,000–₦150,000 in additional charges for a room. These observations do not tell us how common those charges are, or whether a particular student has paid them.

The practical lesson is to ask for a written breakdown before committing. What is the rent? What is the agent’s fee? Are there separate agreement, caution, maintenance or other charges? Which are compulsory, and which can be refunded?

A worked example, not a verified listing

Cost item	Illustrative amount
Quoted room rent	₦400,000
Additional charge	₦150,000
Subtotal before any other costs	₦550,000

In this example, the extra charge adds 37.5% to the quoted rent. Your own costs may differ. The point is to compare the full amount you would need to pay, not just the figure in an advertisement.

3. Searching can have its own price

Another concern raised by the founder is that some agents charge as much as ₦10,000 per day to take students to inspect hostels. If a search lasts several days, those costs can accumulate before a student has chosen a room.

Being willing to accept a room quickly or pay more may shorten a particular search. We do not yet have measured data showing how long students typically search, or how search time relates to price and room quality.

At iHostels, hostel tours are free. Browse a room, use its Book a Tour option and wait for the accommodation provider to confirm the request. A tour request is not a confirmed appointment until it is accepted.

4. A higher price should come with questions

The founder has observed rooms marketed with better amenities at quoted prices of ₦800,000–₦1 million. For a student working with a smaller budget, that can make the search feel like a choice between affordability and comfortable living conditions.

But price alone does not prove quality, and a lower-priced room is not automatically unsuitable. Inspect the actual room and check the facilities that matter to you. A building’s appearance cannot answer whether water is reliable, drainage works, electrical fittings are sound or advertised amenities are usable.

• Check water supply and storage arrangements.
• Ask which electricity costs are included and which are shared separately.
• Look for signs of damp, leaks and poor ventilation.
• Check locks, windows, bathroom fittings and the condition of shared areas.
• Try your route to campus and consider the time and transport cost.

5. Compare before you commit

Make a shortlist and write down the same details for every room: rent period, total compulsory charges, facilities, distance from campus and any work the provider has promised to complete.

Where an advertised price and a payment request differ, ask for an explanation before proceeding. Confirm the exact room, who is authorised to offer it, and the terms you are agreeing to. Keep the quote, correspondence and payment records.

iHostels is being built to make this comparison easier through room listings, direct messaging and free tour requests. A listing gives you a starting point; an inspection and a clear cost breakdown help you decide.

Explore hostels around KWASU, or read our guide to checking extra charges before contacting a provider.