diff --git a/poezio/core/core.py b/poezio/core/core.py
index 5090a211..fc311ea3 100644
--- a/poezio/core/core.py
+++ b/poezio/core/core.py
@@ -882,6 +882,12 @@ class Core:
         # not, give up
         default_muc = config.get('default_muc_service')
         if not default_muc:
+            self.information(
+                "Error finding a MUC service to join. If your server does not "
+                "provide one, set 'default_muc_service' manually to a MUC "
+                "service that allows room creation.",
+                'Error'
+            )
             return
 
         nick = self.own_nick