Their students may be among some of the brightest in the country.

But that hasn't stopped the University of Sheffield from telling their scholars how to use the toilet.

For, the Russell Group institution has been placing illustrated cards in campus loos after cleaners complained about the mess.

Signs have been put up around the University of Sheffield explaining to students how to use the toilets correctly

The signs explain basic toilet techniques, such as: 'Do not put toilet paper on the floor' and 'put toilet paper in the toilet bowl and flush.'

Some also demonstrate the rules through graphics.

One card, shows students how to sit on the toilet and urges them not to stand on the seat as it reads: 'Please leave this toilet as you wish to find it. No standing on seats.'

This image was posted on the 'Spotted: University of Sheffield' page under the caption: 'SPOTTED: We really needed this advice?'

The post received hundreds of responses and the seriousness of the signs was questioned by disbelieving students.

One person commented: 'Please tell me this was made by a student as a joke.'

Cards explain basic toilet techniques, such as: 'Do not put toilet paper on the floor' and 'put toilet paper in the toilet bowl and flush' (above)

The signs have been put up in campus loos to warn students after the cleaners complained about their 'awful state'

However, speaking to The Sun yesterday, one student confirmed the cards weren't meant to be funny.

They said: 'I've seen the signs being discussed on a uni Facebook site, but I thought it was a bit of satire. I had no idea they were real.'

Another source explained the reasoning behind the cards.

Disbelieving students initially thought that the signs were a joke and laughed when photos were posted on social media

They said: 'The toilets have been left in an awful state. It's pretty disgusting and the cleaners have had enough. There's only so much they can take.

'These cards are clearly designed for international students. But they're all over campus - and it's raising quite a few laughs.'

The University of Sheffield declined to comment.