How to search for a couch on CouchSurfing: Difference between revisions

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This is a step-by-step guide aimed at beginners and first-time users of [[CouchSurfing]]. In this guide we will show you how to search for a [[couch]], or a place to stay with a [[host]] on the [[CouchSurfing]] [[hospitality exchange]] network.  
This is a step-by-step guide aimed at beginners and first-time users of [[CouchSurfing]]. In this guide we will show you how to search for a [[couch]], or a place to stay with a [[host]] on the [[CouchSurfing]] [[hospitality exchange]] network.  


== Step 1: Fill out your [[Profile]]. ==
== Step 1: Fill out your [[Profile]].==


Fill out your [[profile]]. For step-by-step guide see [[how to fill out your profile on CouchSurfing]]
Fill out your [[profile]]. For step-by-step guide see [[how to fill out your profile on CouchSurfing]]
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* ''Why?'' '''Simple courtesy''': it is more polite to ask people directly for their hospitality. You will be more successful finding a place to stay through personalized messages.
* ''Why?'' '''Simple courtesy''': it is more polite to ask people directly for their hospitality. You will be more successful finding a place to stay through personalized messages.
* ''Why?'' '''Spam''': Thousands of people are looking for hosts. Filling up the [[conversations]] forum prevents the local community from using the forum for legitimate uses.
* ''Why?'' '''Spam''': Thousands of people are looking for hosts. Filling up the [[conversations]] forum prevents the local community from using the forum for legitimate uses.
* ''If you still decide to go ahead'': your post will most likely be [[flagging|flagged]] and then '''deleted'''.
* ''If you still decide to go ahead'': your post will most likely be [[flagging|flagged]] and then '''deleted'''.


== Step 4: ==
== Step 4: ==


* You now arrive at the [[Couch search results page]]. Here you can browse the available [[host]]s, and click through to visit their [[CouchSurfing profile|profiles]].
* You now arrive at the [[Couch search results page]]. Here you can browse the available [[host|hosts]], and click through to visit their [[CouchSurfing profile|profiles]].
* This is the most important part of your search. Look through the list of available hosts and decide who you would like to stay with.
* This is the most important part of your search. Look through the list of available hosts and decide who you would like to stay with.
* You can use the '''filters''' (bottom left) and the '''sort these people by:''' menus to further refine your search. [[Couchsurfing profile page|Click here for more detailed information]] .
* You can use the '''filters''' (bottom left) and the '''sort these people by:''' menus to further refine your search. [[Couchsurfing profile page|Click here for more detailed information ]].
* Visit the profile of a potential [[host]] and '''read their profile thoroughly'''.
* Visit the profile of a potential [[host]] and '''read their profile thoroughly'''.


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[[File:Surf_results_annotated.png|alt=Couch search results page|Couch search results page]]
[[File:Surf_results_annotated.png|alt=Couch search results page|Couch search results page]]
[[Category:Guides]][[Category:Beginners]]


[[Category:Guides]]
== Step 5: Read a profile! ==
[[Category:Beginners]]
 
== Step 6: Send a Couch Request ==
 
== Step 7: ==

Revision as of 18:10, 10 March 2013

This is a step-by-step guide aimed at beginners and first-time users of CouchSurfing. In this guide we will show you how to search for a couch, or a place to stay with a host on the CouchSurfing hospitality exchange network.

Step 1: Fill out your Profile.

Fill out your profile. For step-by-step guide see how to fill out your profile on CouchSurfing

Step 2: Where would you like to go?

  • At the top of every page you will should find a search bar with the words "Where would you like to go?".
  • Type your destination into the search bar, then click Surf or hit Enter.
  • In this example we have used Paris, France as an example.

Where would you like to go?

Step 3: Find a place to stay

The CORRECT way ✔

  • Searching for your destination takes you to the place page associated with your destination. In this example, we are taken to the place page for the Paris area.
  • At the top of the place page for your destination you will find a box with the text Find a place to stay for [ ] traveler(s)


Find a place to stay


  • Select the number of people that require a place to stay and click Go! or hit Enter.
  • You will be taken to the Couch search results page.

The WRONG way ✘

  • The place page also acts as a hub for the local community. To the bottom of the Find a place to stay section is the conversations section.
  • Do not post a request for a couch in this section.


Don't do this


  • For more details see community guidelines.
  • Why? Safety: by posting in a public forum, you are inviting strangers to contact you.
  • Why? Simple courtesy: it is more polite to ask people directly for their hospitality. You will be more successful finding a place to stay through personalized messages.
  • Why? Spam: Thousands of people are looking for hosts. Filling up the conversations forum prevents the local community from using the forum for legitimate uses.
  • If you still decide to go ahead: your post will most likely be flagged and then deleted.

Step 4:

  • You now arrive at the Couch search results page. Here you can browse the available hosts, and click through to visit their profiles.
  • This is the most important part of your search. Look through the list of available hosts and decide who you would like to stay with.
  • You can use the filters (bottom left) and the sort these people by: menus to further refine your search. Click here for more detailed information .
  • Visit the profile of a potential host and read their profile thoroughly.


Couch search results page

Step 5: Read a profile!

Step 6: Send a Couch Request

Step 7: