It is not compulsory for students to opt for hostels at NIT Surathkal. A number of PGs and rented apartments are available for students around Surathkal as well as Mangaluru.

But there are various benefits of staying in the college hostel.

• The hostel experience is worth it all. It will help you learn many things. You will get to interact with people from various backgrounds, which in turn helps in improving communication skills. 
• You will have an academic advantage as friends and class toppers are next door and can be asked for help or last-minute assignments.
• You won’t need to worry about transportation at late-night college events or fests.
• There will be a lot of fun, games, celebrations and late-night talks with friends.
• You will also have the access to the whole beach anytime.

Infrastructure wise NIT Surathkal hostels are not that great. However, it is a whole other experience to stay in a college hostel and you should not miss out.