Trainline research estimates that students will transport 3,650 tonnes of unwashed clothing across the UK rail network during the first term of the academic year. The study found that seven in 10 (70%) students bring their dirty laundry home to parents or guardians rather than washing it at their university accommodation.
Students admit to buying new clothes instead of washing
The research suggests three quarters (75%) of students have already run out of clean clothes after postponing their laundry duties. Almost two-thirds (62%) have purchased new clothing to avoid doing their own washing.
Among the reasons cited, 43% of students pointed to their financial situation, while 34% said they simply lack the time to manage laundry themselves.
Trainline launches limited-edition Re-fresher Bag
Trainline has introduced a limited-edition compressible laundry bag called the Re-fresher Bag, designed to ease the burden of carrying dirty washing. The company says the bag is being offered free to students through weekly releases that began on Tuesday, September 22.
The 80-litre bag features compression straps, a roll-top structure, supportive carry straps, a hanging hook, and a removable machine-washable mesh insert to separate soiled items. An internal panel is designed to absorb unpleasant odours, and the print's positioning varies with each fold, meaning no two bags are identical.
The bag showcases an original design by graduate designer Maria Goundry. Lexi Hughes, a model, final-year university student, and daughter of TV personality Amanda Holden, collaborated with Trainline and the design team to help develop the product.
Hughes said: "Any student who's dragged a heavy laundry bag onto a train knows the struggle. It's been so much fun to work on a bag that solves a problem we all face. It's very roomy, with sections that separate the clothes that need washing from the ones that don't. It's also colourful enough that there is no chance of it getting lost or mixed up on the train. Bonus points for making laundry day a bit more fun."
Further releases planned from October
Mike Hyde, chief technology officer at Trainline, said: "Taking a bag of washing home is an essential part of student life. My daughter starts university this year and is already thinking about how she'll fit her entire wardrobe, coursework and, inevitably, dirty washing into one bag every time she comes home. If the washing is coming home anyway - we thought students might as well do it in style."
The Re-fresher Bag will be released in limited weekly drops every Tuesday for the coming weeks from October 6.
