Laundry Poverty
All students know the struggle of having to do their own laundry as soon as they move out, but more and more students are having to face the reality of how expensive laundry services are becoming. In an era where universities should be encouraging students to be as cleanly as possible, they are instead increasing the tariff and dissuading students from doing their laundry – but what is the deeper issue beyond this?
Many universities use services like Circuit where they charge between £3-£6 per wash and dry. Prices like this are causing students to wear clothes for longer than they should so they can stretch out the time between each wash and gain value for what they are paying (by doing a bigger load.) Some students have resorted to washing their clothes by hand in the shower or in the sink to save money , and drying them on hangers or airdryers in their rooms – which in itself can cause issues like mould and damp.
When paying high tuition and accommodation fees, many expect laundry to be included in the price as it is a basic living necessity. At the very least, if students have to pay for this ‘luxury’ it should at least be affordable.
The effect of hygiene
Wearing fresh clothes is a basic need that affects things as simple as how we feel when we leave the house in the morning and can further impact our physical and mental wellbeing by influencing our confidence.
It also goes without saying that students who may be looking to enter certain industries and working life after graduating will want to leave a good impression at job interviews – something that a lack of personal hygiene may not reinforce.
What’s the solution?
The University of Birmingham and University of Southampton have introduced two new laundry systems focussed on pre-paid laundry credits and in-unit washing machines.
Pre-paid laundry credit is a solution that could be factored into rent prices and would be a small price for companies to pay if it increased student renter satisfaction. This method would be a great way to improve student hygiene without increasing their financial strain.
In-unit washing machines are being installed in some shared accommodation types to improve convenience and encourage regular washing. Those searching for private housing often having a washing machine and dryer on the list to look out for when reviewing a property – so why shouldn’t it be the same when viewing other accommodation types?
Concerns of increased washing machine numbers
With a larger number of washing machines comes environmental issues such as higher water and energy consumption. The only way around this, is to ensure that accommodations install eco-friendly laundry facilities.
On top of this, some operators are opposed to facilitating the solutions that The University of Birmingham and University of Southampton have jumped onboard with due to it increasing costs for them. However, operators will have to way up the pros and cons of student customer satisfaction with and without these laundry appliances.
What do students have to say
Investor in Students formed a student panel that gave an insight into student living, Adam from the panel said: "If there’s anything you take away from today, after all the data and everything. Please let it be laundry. Please, please laundry. Please fix laundry."
