If you’re heading off to university, it can be easy to overlook the basics amid all the preparation and mayhem. A good-quality laundry bag is one such essential, often brushed aside in the excitement of stationery, timetables and room décor. If you haven’t already, be sure to add one to your university packing list, and read on to see our round-up of the best laundry bags for students.

What should you look for in a laundry bag?

Weight, capacity and durability are the main things you should look for in a laundry bag. Use this checklist to find the right one for you:

• Lightweight: Most student accommodation has laundry facilities located some distance from bedrooms, so your laundry bag should be easy to carry.
• Spacious: Your bag needs to be big enough to stuff a week's worth of laundry inside, but not so big that you can't carry it!
• Affordable: A good laundry bag doesn’t need to break the bank. Ours start from £5.95, offering great value.
• Durable: The best laundry bags are built to wear like iron. Our bags are made to last, even with frequent use.
• Versatile: Your laundry bag can serve several purposes beyond laundry. Our jumbo bags, for example, can be used as luggage when moving into university accommodation, then repurposed as a laundry bag or for storage.
• Stylish: Your laundry bag will likely be on display given the limited square footage of student accommodation, so it may as well be chic. Our jumbo bags are curated by our in-house creative team and come in 30 distinctive designs, so there’s a style to suit every aesthetic.
• Eco-friendly: If you care about conscious consumption, materials and longevity are worth considering. Our bags are made from recycled materials and are designed to last, so you can keep your laundry tidy while doing your bit for the planet.
• Easy to maintain: We all like simple, low-effort upkeep. Our bags simply need to be wiped down to keep them clean.

Our favourite laundry bags for students

Our jumbo bags tick all the boxes for a handy university laundry bag. They’re stylish, affordable, and versatile enough to serve several purposes beyond laundry.

1. Stripes galore

Jumbo storage bag - Pink with green stripe, £5.95

Jumbo storage bag - Nautical Stripes, £5.95

Jumbo storage bag - Retro 70s Stripes, £5.95

Jumbo storage bag - Pink with brown stripe, £5.95

2. Gingham classics

Jumbo storage bag - Pink Gingham, £5.95

Jumbo storage bag - Blue Gingham, £5.95

3. Indian motifs

Jumbo storage bag - Binita, £5.95

Jumbo storage bag - Daksha, £5.95

Jumbo storage bag - Chandani, £5.95

4. Retro cherry

Jumbo storage bag - Little Cherry, £5.95

Jumbo storage bag - Cherry, £5.95

5. Pretty florals

Jumbo storage bag - Butterfly Garden, £5.95

Jumbo storage bag - Florence, £5.95

Jumbo storage bag - Blue and green daisy, £5.95

Jumbo storage bag - French Rose, £5.95

6. Magical friends

Jumbo storage bag - Unicorn, £5.95

Jumbo storage bag - Mermaid, £5.95

Jumbo storage bag - Dragons, £5.95

7. Festive fun

Jumbo storage bag - Classic Christmas, £5.95

Jumbo storage bag - Festive Sausage Dog, £5.95

8. Adorable animals

Jumbo storage bag - Woodland, £5.95

Jumbo storage bag - Dog Park, £5.95

Choosing the right laundry bag might not be the most exciting part of preparing for university, but it’s one of those small essentials that can make student life much easier. If you’re wondering how to prepare for this new chapter, our university checklist has everything you need. And if you’re still shopping for the new term, or know someone who’s about to start university, be sure to browse our university essentials.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best laundry bag for university students?

The best laundry bag for university students should be easy to carry, particularly if your laundry facilities are located away from your room. It’s also worth choosing a spacious and sturdy design that can hold a good amount of laundry without taking up too much space. Rex London’s jumbo bags have been highly rated by customers as a versatile option for students.

What is an alternative to a mesh laundry bag?

If you’re looking for an alternative to a mesh laundry bag, a fabric or recycled-material laundry bag can be a great option. These tend to be more spacious and durable, making them ideal for long-term use. They can also be a more sustainable option when made from recycled materials, compared with standard mesh bags that are made from synthetic materials such as nylon or polyester.

What size laundry bag do I need for university?

A larger laundry bag is generally a good choice for university, especially if you don’t do laundry particularly often or need to carry your clothes some distance. Look for a bag with enough capacity for a full load without being so large that it becomes difficult to carry or store in a smaller student room.

What else can you use a laundry bag for?

A laundry bag can be used for much more than holding dirty clothes. Larger bags can be useful for storing bulky items such as winter clothing and bedding, while multipurpose designs can also double as luggage when moving to and from university.

How much does a laundry bag cost?

The cost of a laundry bag varies depending on the size, design and materials. Rex London’s jumbo laundry bags cost £5.95, offering great value for their generous size and durable design.

What is the 30-minute laundry rule?

The 30-minute laundry rule is a general guideline that recommends taking your clothes out of the washing machine within 30 minutes of the cycle finishing. Leaving wet clothes sitting in the machine for too long can cause them to develop a musty smell and, in some cases, encourage mildew growth. It’s also good etiquette in shared laundry facilities, as it ensures that machines are available for other students when they need them.