Although the statistics vary, data shows that students will sit on a toilet for somewhere between six days and three weeks straight during their time at Harvard. These impressive numbers inspired an odyssey in search of Harvard bathrooms fit for a king. If you have time, take a pit stop at one of these locations, which sport some of Harvard restrooms' finest décor.
Bloomberg Hall
Architecturally impressive, this Business School building seems likely to espouse luxury. Indeed, upon entering this basement bathroom, you're greeted with a pattern-tiled floor and walls painted a soothing yellow—a sharp contrast to the whitewash of most university bathrooms. Also of note are the paneled mirror, faux onyx counter, and opaque hanging light fixtures. The only downside is that it's a trek across the river.
The Center for European Studies
This old-world style building, located between the Science Center and William James Hall, feels like the kind of place that would offer luxurious bathroom amenities. Inside, the bathroom is a lovely room with navy blue wallpaper and matching tiles. However, disappointingly, there was no bidet to be seen. Bonus points for having to descend a winding staircase in order to reach it, though.
Littauer
Turning the brass knob to this side-hallway bathroom, you feel more like stepping into someone's office than going to the john. Inside, the stained wooden stall dividers and granite accents make it feel like the kind of bathroom that you have to make a reservation to use. If you ever find yourself in the Science Center when nature calls, take an extra minute to walk west to Littauer. You won't regret it.
Loeb Library
If you take the stairs to the lower level of Loeb Library, make a left, and then another left when you reach the door to the Le Corbusier Special Collections, you'll find a restroom adorned with photographs of bathrooms around the world. So as you sit on the loo, you can look at how others go about their business on continents other than our own.
Robinson Hall
Although much ground has been covered in this journey around the school, there are some toilets that remain inaccessible to members of the opposite sex. One example is the women's bathroom in Robinson Hall, located directly behind Sever. Hanna Retallack '12 boasts, "There's a cushioned chaise in the bathroom, which is super convenient."
Evidently, there are more undiscovered gems to be found in the world of Harvard restrooms. So keep searching, exploring, and discovering. Who knows? Maybe someday, someone will get to see whether Faust really does have a golden toilet seat.