Nottingham students struggle to wash clothing as laundry prices soar
Nottingham university students have shared their shock online over the extortionate costs of washing and drying their clothes.
Every year, students starting at University struggle to come to terms with the costs of running student acomdoation from hosues to flats. This year, amid a cost of living increase and energy prices soaring, the cost of laundry has meant students have had to get creative.
Multiple students believe that the washing prices are 'unruly' and may stem from the recent cost of living crisis. Many are left looking for creative alternatives to save money. Currently, students are required to use an app called Circuit Laundry. After setting up an account, they have to load their debit card details before topping up with a minimum of £5. The prices for each laundry are then set by the university.
NTU student Kira Browne, 18, resorted to purchasing a small 'portable washing machine' online to save money. Many of the students have turned to Amazon and Facebook marketplace to look for cheaper alternatives including the portable washing machines which are on average around £20 each.
The gadget consists of a small spinning basket with watering holes and a tube to drain dirty water. NTU student Kira Browne says the portable washing machine has saved her time and money
The forensic psychology student said: "It has saved me a lot of money."
The 18 year old is not alone in buying this gadget to do laundry as more students across England have shared their experiences across social media platforms such as TikTok.
British universities have partnered up with Circuit laundry who have been under much speculation for 'steep' facility prices. University of Leicester undergraduate, Ellie Mae, 20, also shared her outrage regarding the laundry solution, gaining over 5,000 views on TikTok
The third year said that portable washing machines were a better option than university provided machines.
" I bought it because it works out a lot cheaper than circuit washing," Ellie Mae Cooper, the student said. “The machines in my accommodation even stained my clothes."
De Montfort University scholar, Madi Bowman, 20, also recommended purchasing a machine. The Journalism student said: "I bought the washing machine to save some money on my laundry as it gets quite expensive at university. It was £20 off of Facebook Marketplace."
She continued: "I definitely think it is worth buying as you can wash around five to six items at a time."
A spokesperson for Circuit Laundry said: "Universities decide the prices, we just provide the machines for them to use. The price has only increased by 20 pence."
Nottingham World reached out to University of Leicester, De Montfort University and Nottingham Trent University for comment.