University Housing is considering the inclusion of laundry fees in housing costs for on-campus students, which would take effect 2015.
A reasonable fee of $35 would be added to the cost of housing per semester, and on-campus Appalachian State University students would have access to unlimited laundry.
This is more cost-effective for students, who pay $1.25 for each cycle. For those who use the washing machines and dryers once a week, this can add up to approximately $50 per semester, which really adds up over multiple semesters.
Tom Kane, director of Housing and Residence Life, told The Appalachian that he brought the idea to the attention of University Housing after hearing that other colleges had implemented a laundry fee.
In this case, following what other colleges are doing is the right move.
Appalachian’s contract with Mac-Gray commercial laundry will end in May of 2015, and Kane said he believes the transition to an included laundry fee will go smoothly. I completely agree.
Anna McNamara, a senior psychology major and RHA president, told The Appalachian that the RHA will begin to survey students this fall and give the results of their findings to Kane. He will then bring the report to the board of directors.
Kane remembers the strong response from students in favor of the plan the last time the bill was introduced.
Fortunately, it is quite possible that students will speak up again, as most can agree that scrambling to find quarters can be a hassle.
When it comes to possible abuse of unlimited access to laundry, Kane has spoken to other colleges who have an included laundry fee and believes it will be too difficult for students to misuse the system.
As Appalachian is moving toward a more inclusive system, becoming a Mountaineer may be more appealing to prospective students, as well.
Once some of the inconveniences of dorm life are alleviated, students may be more likely to live on campus.
Students already have enough to juggle without having to remember to collect loose change for laundry, so this new service is a much better alternative.
Opinion: ERICA BADENCHINI, Opinion writer