Hallway Rules Everyone Should Follow (But No One Does)

The school hallway is a chaotic space where you can never get where you need to go without running into someone, dodging a backpack, or getting stuck behind a slow walker; it becomes impossible to get to class on time. However, if students followed just simple hallway rules, it would make a huge difference. 

Rule #1: Stay to the Right

Just like driving, walking in consistent lanes helps minimize confusion and keeps everyone moving. If everyone stays on the right, people coming from the opposite direction have enough space to pass through and people will stop bumping into each other. This is especially important after breaks like lunch and snack or in between classes, when everyone is in the hallway at once, rushing to avoid  being late to their next class. When students take up the whole hallway or just walk in the middle, other people are forced to slow down, dodge them, or even stop completely. This ends up slowing everyone else behind them as well, and people end up running into each other. 

Rule #2: Don’t Stop in the Middle

Hallways are narrow and people have to move through quickly, meaning that they aren’t meant for check-ins or chit-chats, especially at the busiest times. If you have to talk to someone or even tie your shoe, pull over to the side to allow people to walk past you. When people abruptly stop in the middle of the hallway, it forces those behind them to slow down, squeeze past, or stop. This creates unnecessary congestion, frustration ,and unnecessary delays 

Rule #3: Keep a Consistent Pace

Don't rush too much, but don’t drag your feet either. At the busiest times, people have to get to their classes quickly, and if you are walking slowly and taking your time in the hallway, that becomes impossible. If you walk at a reasonable pace, you won't cause chaos by running into people, but you also won't cause a traffic jam behind you. People can pass you if they have to, and you can still pass someone a little slower in front of you. Slow walkers create a wall of traffic. Meanwhile, fast walkers walk in front of everyone and cut into people's paths. 

Rule #4: Keep your Backpack in Mind

Backpacks can be dangerous weapons in crowded hallways- wether students realize it or not. Many people forget that their bags are large and heavy, hitting people while turning or lifting them. Holding your backpack close, or keeping in mind you are carrying it, can avoid it being swung onto someone. Backpacks can smack people, knock over things, or make people swerve to avoid them. These backpacks cause chaos in the hallways, so misusing them is a careless act and leads to discomfort. 

Rule #5: Wait for People to Leave Before Entering the Classroom 

The doorways to classrooms are the narrowest parts of the hallway; therefore, it’s important to give enough space to people leaving the classroom, so there is enough space for you inside. When you wait for other people to leave the classroom, there is a smoother transition and they can leave faster. Crowding the door as people try to leave their classrooms causes delays and makes the hallways more congested because you are standing still in the middle of it. People have to squeeze past each other, and everyone ends up being late.

Final Thoughts

Some students already follow these basic rules. They are aware of their surroundings, respect others' space, stay on the right, walk at a reasonable pace, and keep their backpacks in check. These small, thoughtful actions might seem insignificant, but if everyone made an effort, hallways would be far less stressful.  

Sources:

Downey, Maureen. “OPINION: School Reopenings Weren’t Picture Perfect, but Don’t Blame Kids.” Ajc, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 7 Aug. 2020, www.ajc.com/education/get-schooled-blog/school-reopenings-werent-picture-perfect-but-dont-blame-kids/UCK6VBVLGRB4FFRYMCX42BQVQE/. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025. (Image)