While campus laundry rooms may not be the first thing prospective students or parents ask about, those who design college laundry rooms efficiently can significantly boost student satisfaction, reduce operational challenges, and improve sustainability benchmarks. For facility managers and campus operations staff, laundry design is more than a convenience—it’s a strategic opportunity.

Start With Layout Efficiency

The foundation of a productive campus laundry facility lies in how well the space is organized. Grouping washers and dryers strategically, ensuring clear pathways, and avoiding traffic bottlenecks during peak hours all contribute to a smoother experience. Think beyond aesthetics; a thoughtfully designed layout can improve equipment accessibility, cleaning workflows, and even safety.

Spaces should allow for multiple users without congestion. Folding tables, sorting stations, and secure, unobtrusive storage for supplies help students manage their laundry with less frustration. Proper ventilation and durable flooring also reduce long-term maintenance costs.

Prioritize Energy-Efficient Equipment

Energy and water use are major concerns for campus facilities. High-efficiency commercial laundry equipment can significantly reduce utility expenses and align with your institution’s sustainability goals. Today’s models are built to perform at high volumes while consuming less energy per cycle—important in dorms or apartment-style campus housing where usage is constant.

Working with an experienced provider like Southeastern Laundry ensures that colleges can choose from a range of energy-efficient washers and dryers suited to high-use environments. Whether leasing or purchasing, Southeastern helps schools find the right fit without overextending budgets.

Rethink Your Staffing Model

On-premise laundry doesn’t run itself. While student-use facilities often require minimal oversight, larger operations—such as athletic departments, hospitality programs, or healthcare training labs—may benefit from having dedicated staff. Even limited staffing for peak times can help keep machines clean, troubleshoot issues quickly, and improve the student experience.

Routine maintenance is equally important. Having a service partner that understands campus laundry needs can ensure minor problems don’t grow into costly disruptions. Southeastern Laundry offers support contracts tailored to keep facilities running efficiently, minimizing downtime and extending the life of your investment.

Smart tech enhances how you design college laundry rooms

Students expect convenience. Mobile apps that show machine availability, send cycle alerts, or offer contactless payment aren’t just nice-to-have—they’re becoming standard. Adding these technologies reduces crowding, wait times, and complaints.

For facility managers, integrated systems can also track usage trends, helping you forecast demand and schedule maintenance more effectively. With the right systems in place, laundry becomes one less thing you need to worry about.