UK
Laundry is evolving from a basic utility into a service that plays a vital role in student wellbeing, sustainability, and campus experience, according to Circuit, the UK’s largest and longest-established managed laundry specialist. That was the takeaway when Circuit recently welcomed operators and contractors from the student accommodation sector to a roundtable event to explore how laundry can better meet the needs of today’s students.
The roundtable was an opportunity for attendees to explore the latest research findings commissioned by Circuit into student perceptions of student laundry across UK campuses, and highlighted both current challenges and exciting opportunities for innovation, improved value, and enhanced experiences.
While the research found that one in four students is currently dissatisfied with campus laundry provision, students cited value for money (94%) and machine availability (93%) as their top priorities, pointing to a strong opportunity for targeted improvements.
Analysing the data, attendees also discussed how pricing models, education, simple and easy to use payment systems, and facility design are being optimised to better meet student needs, with operators sharing success stories of initiatives that have boosted satisfaction and usage.
Led by David Wheatcroft, MD for Circuit, the roundtable was attended by Mark Cordin, head of divisional operations for Fresh; Andrij Korolczuk, head of facilities management for Balfour Beatty; Martin Wade, head of facilities and sustainability for Now Students; Fathi Mohammed, director of operations for Aparto; Ashleigh Dunlop, head of operations for Mys Living, and Kirsty Neil, head of operations for True Student. Additional Circuit representatives including Robin Urquhart, key national account manager, and Steve Hooper, area sales manager, were also in attendance.
Wheatcroft said: “This roundtable was a vital opportunity to bring the industry together and have an honest, open conversation about what matters to students when it comes to their laundry. The insights we heard, both from our research and from those managing accommodation day-to-day, highlight just how integral laundry is to the student experience. It’s not just about machines; it’s about student engagement, inclusivity, welcoming and safe environments, and delivering good value for money and a quality service.
“For the sector, this is a call to think differently – more collaboratively and more creatively –about how we deliver facilities that are fit for purpose and truly meet student expectations. These conversations will help shape how we move forward as a strategic partner to university accommodation providers, and how we continue to support them in raising standards. We’re proud to be working alongside such engaged partners in shaping a smarter, more student-focused future for laundry.”
