14 School Bathrooms That Were Universally Feared
Some school bathrooms were so unclean, broken down, or uncomfortable that most students avoided them whenever possible.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 4 min read
In many schools, certain bathrooms were known for being unpleasant, either because of their condition, location, or the way students treated them. They often had broken locks, bad smells, or no privacy. These spaces became known across the school as the ones you only used if you had no other choice.
1. The One in the Gym Hallway
Sulasulasula on Wikimedia Commons
The gym bathroom was often humid and smelled like sweat and cleaning supplies. The floor was always wet, even when no one had used the showers. There was little privacy, and lockers nearby made it loud at all times. Most students only used it during P.E. if absolutely necessary.
2. The One Near the Cafeteria
Steve Viale on Wikimedia Commons
This bathroom was heavily used during lunch periods and often not cleaned in between. Paper towels were usually missing by the second lunch shift. The lines were long, and there was rarely soap left. Some students avoided it unless they had no other option.
3. The Basement Bathroom
Loozrboy on Wikimedia Commons
Few students used this one because it was hard to find and poorly lit. The flickering lights and echoing sounds made people uneasy. Some stalls had no doors or were stuck shut. It felt isolated, even during class changes.
4. The One with No Mirrors
Wolfmann on Wikimedia Commons
Some bathrooms had the mirrors removed or replaced with metal panels. Without mirrors, students couldn’t check their appearance or fix anything between classes. It gave the space a strange, unfinished feel. Many avoided it for that reason alone.
5. The Staff Bathroom Students Weren’t Supposed to Use
State Records NSW on Wikimedia Commons
Sometimes a student would try to sneak into the staff bathroom, hoping for a cleaner space. However, if caught, there were consequences. Signs made it clear it was off-limits. Students would talk about how it must be better but didn’t dare test it.
6. The One Without Working Locks
Nacho taco chimichangas on Wikimedia Commons
One of the most stressful bathrooms was the one where the locks didn’t work or were broken. Students had to hold the stall door shut with their foot or hand. The fear of someone walking in made it hard to relax. Most avoided it completely unless they were desperate.
7. The Outdoor Portable Bathroom
Calgary Reviews on Wikimedia Commons
If a school had temporary buildings, they often came with portable bathrooms nearby. These were cramped, cold in winter, and hot in summer. They smelled strongly of chemicals and had thin walls. Many students tried to wait until they were back in the main building.
8. The One by the Auditorium
RDNE Stock project on Pexels
This bathroom was usually far from classrooms and rarely cleaned. Students only used it during assemblies or after-school events. The sinks sometimes didn’t work, and graffiti covered the stalls. Its neglected condition made it feel forgotten.
9. The Locker Room Bathroom
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These bathrooms were connected to changing rooms and often had little privacy. Some had only one or two stalls next to open showers. Students felt uncomfortable using them during crowded times. It was known for being loud and hard to clean.
10. The One with the Flickering Lights
DPLA bot on Wikimedia Commons
Poor lighting made this bathroom feel darker than it should have. A single flickering bulb could make the space feel eerie, even during the day. Students shared stories about it, even if nothing ever actually happened there. Still, most preferred to use a different one.
11. The Smallest Bathroom in the School
sarahmirk on Wikimedia Commons
Some schools had a single-stall bathroom in an old hallway or corner. Only one person could use it at a time, and there was always a line. It felt awkward waiting just outside the door. Students rushed to beat the crowd or avoided it during busy periods.
12. The One with Graffiti All Over the Walls
A.Savin on Wikimedia Commons
Some bathrooms were completely covered in writing and drawings. Messages were scratched into stall doors, mirrors, and even the walls. It made the place feel run-down, and teachers often warned students not to hang out there. Despite frequent repainting, the graffiti always came back.
13. The Upstairs Bathroom That Was Always Locked
DPLA bot on Wikimedia Commons
Certain bathrooms were constantly locked during the day. Rumors spread about why, but no one really knew. Some said it was because students used it to skip class or hang out. Its permanent closure made the other bathrooms more crowded.
14. The Bathroom Everyone Said Was “Haunted”
darkday on Wikimedia Commons
Even if nothing serious ever happened, some bathrooms had a strange reputation. Dim lighting, old fixtures, or a strange echo created rumors that spread fast. Some students refused to go alone. The stories became part of school conversations for years.