Depends on the instructor. When I was teaching freshman at the college level, it didn’t bother me, but I was very straightfoward with my students about my expectations regarding classroom conduct. Eating was allowed as long as it was a snack and not a full meal (I’ve heard horror stories from other teachers that involved students leaving the class to go buy a hamburger then coming back to class to eat it!), drinking was allowed as long as the students had bottles that would close. Bathroom breaks were okay, but I paid attention to how long the student was out of the room. If it was a regular occurance that lasted longer than a few minutes, I would speak with them after class.

Some instructors are very particular about classroom disruptions.

If you are an instructor, then you have to be honest with yourself about your expectations of your students. If this is something that bothers you, be clear about it with your students. Let them know how you want them to excuse themselves.

If you are student, and you are concerned about it, ask your instructor what they prefer.

Most instructors prefer the student quietly leave the classroom- asking to be excused disrupts the lecture and can cause the instructor to lose her train of thought.

Not a problem so long as it is done respectfully (don’t disturb the class, don’t slam the doors, etc).

I have had students explain specific health issues that necessitate frequent visits to the restroom. If this is the case, consider requesting seating (I had assigned seats in my classes) to facilitate easy exit/return with minimal class interruption.

Basically, treated them as adults and with respect and got the same back from them 99+% of the time.

I know when I teach I don’t. My assumption is that the students are adults (not always well-founded, but …) and will get up and go when they need to.

NOpe, when ya gotta go ya gotta go. But still, i agree with the other guys here, you have to do it discreetly and quietly.

Yes cause I feel that they are not interested in what I am saying or they are not following cause they don”t understand what the hell I am talking about.