In elementary, middle, and high school, you are generally required to ask for permission to use the restroom. In college and graduate school, most professors will let your come and go from the classroom as you please. When you do get up to use restroom, leave and re-enter the room quietly and discretely. If you are an exchange student, ask your host family, roommate, teacher, or professor to explain the country’s cultural norms regarding using the bathroom at school.
Avoid asking your teacher to use the bathroom when they are in the middle of giving instructions, during the middle of a lecture, or during a lesson. Do ask your teacher to use the restroom during independent work times, when you have finished all of your class work, or after you have completed a test. If it is an emergency, remain calm and ask your teacher immediately. [2] X Research source
Raise your hand, wait patiently to be called on, and ask for permission to use the restroom. “May I please go to the restroom, Mr. /Mrs/Ms. ____. ” Raise your hand with the special signal (perhaps crossed fingers) and patiently wait for a response. If your teacher is fine with you using the bathroom, they may nod their head “yes. ” If your teacher would like you to wait, they may shake their head “no” or raise a finger to signal “wait a few minutes, please. ”[3] X Research source
If your teacher says “yes,” thank them and exit the room. After using the bathroom, return to the room quietly. If your teacher says “no” or “in a minute,” ask again in a little while.
Date Class Reason for using the pass. [4] X Research source
Unless it is an emergency, do not ask to use the bathroom when your teacher is giving instructions or in the middle of a lesson. Great times to ask for permission include after you have finished taking a test, while you are working independently, and during transitions from one activity to the next. [5] X Research source
If your teacher says “yes,” hand them your pass to sign. Leave the room quietly, use the bathroom quickly, and reenter the room silently, If your teacher says “no” or “please wait a few moments,” ask again at a later time. [6] X Research source
If you have enough time in between classes, make an effort to use the restroom before your next class starts. Teachers will appreciate that you took care of this need prior to entering their class. If your passing times are extremely short or your classes are really far apart, do your best to fit in visits to the restroom between classes. If you simply don’t have enough time, ask your teacher for permission to use the bathroom during class. [7] X Research source
Quietly get up from your seat and walk to the sign-in/sign-out sheet. Fill out your name, the date, the time, and where you are going. If your teacher requires you to take a pre-printed pass, grab one before exiting the room. When you return from the bathroom, sign-in and write down the time you returned. Go back to your seat without disturbing the class. [8] X Research source
When you need to use the bathroom, get out of your seat quietly and walk to the classroom restroom passes. Grab the pass and take it with you to the restroom. When you return to class, put the pass back and return to your seat. If you get up to use the bathroom while your teacher is talking or giving instructions, they may ask you to wait a moment.
When the sign says, “You may use the bathroom without asking permission,” get up from your seat quietly and walk to the bathroom. After using the restroom, return to your seat quietly. When the sign reads, “Please wait to use the restroom. If it is an emergency, let me know,” wait patiently for your teacher to flip the sign. If you are having an emergency, notify your teacher immediately. [9] X Research source
