College life often brings unexpected surprises — some more unsettling than others.

For one student, a strange discovery in their shared university bathroom quickly escalated from a minor curiosity to a viral mystery and genuine concern.

They were shocked to find an odd, spreading growth along the wall of the bathroom in their campus accommodation.

Uncertain about what they were dealing with, the student did what many might in the age of social media: they took a photo and turned to Reddit for help.

In their post, they wrote: “Found this growing in my university shared bathroom! The growth spans around 4–5 inches.

“Does anyone know what it is — and am I going to die??”

The image showed a row of dark-colored mushrooms emerging from the wall, which sparked a mix of humorous and alarmed reactions online.

One commenter joked: “This is how The Last of Us s*** starts,” referencing the hit TV series and video game centered around a deadly fungal outbreak.

Another added: “The missing student on campus who was never found 5 years ago,” while someone else suggested: “Call the biology department and let them have a first go at it?”

Though the responses were mostly light-hearted at first, the situation was more serious than it appeared.

A Reddit user claiming to be a ‘mycology nerd’ finally provided an explanation: “The mushrooms (ink caps) themselves aren’t going to hurt you by being around them, but what this means is that you have severe and extensive water damage in your walls.”

The user elaborated that the fungal growth likely indicates deeper structural issues: “The mycelium of the fungus… is having a field day eating away at your walls as they rot from the inside.”

They warned that by the time mushrooms become visible, the underlying damage is often so severe that walls may need to be torn apart.

Experts have confirmed a troubling discovery.

Advanced Damp, a company specializing in moisture control, warns that the presence of mushrooms growing indoors is a strong indicator of severe dampness. Persistent moisture can lead to wood and plaster deterioration, widespread mold growth, and even structural damage.

One observer speculated on the possible causes, saying, “It’s probably due to massive flooding, a burst pipe, or a lack of proper waterproofing in the nearby shower stall.”

They also joked, “Or maybe something outrageous… like shady contractors or a fraternity pulling a stunt.”

Regardless of the cause, the student was urged to contact building management without delay—an essential step to prevent the fungal issue from escalating into a serious health and safety risk.

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