Dear 2025 cherubs,
Some of you may have never operated a laundry machine before, but there’s a first time for everything. Here’s what you need to know before you step foot into the Jones Hall laundry room.
- There are three washing machines and three dryers. A load of laundry takes approximately an hour and a half, with 30 minutes in the washer and an hour in the dryer. Given the 28:1 cherub-to-machine ratio, you may need to set up camp in the laundry room if you go during a busy time. Cami Culbertson of Houston, Texas, said she waited an hour for the dryer on the first Saturday of the program. Helpful hint: check laundryview.com to see which machines are open for use.
- Most people do laundry on the weekends because there are fewer lectures. So, if you have some time during the week, you’re more likely to get an open machine. Rebecca Waldman of Bethesda, Maryland, said she has never waited for a laundry machine because she does it right before her lectures. Highly recommend washing your towels frequently and your sheets at least once. Some cherubs did a towel load together after a beach trip.
- If your load is finished, fellow cherubs will take out your clothes and put them on top of the machine. To avoid immediately contaminating your freshly washed laundry, bring a laundry bag or basket so they can transfer your clothes. Culbertson said setting a timer and getting down to the basement a few minutes before your load finishes is even better.
- Although laundry is free, you need to bring laundry pods and dryer sheets. If you are in desperate need, check the Sharing Shelf—but supplies are limited.
- At the Medill cherubs program, you’ll make friends everywhere you go, laundry room included. So, offer to put someone’s clothes in the machine, and teach your laundry room buddies which settings on the machine to choose. “Good luck,” Waldman said.
Good luck doing your laundry!
Avani Shah-Lipman
