University of California, Berkeley 

Location: Berkeley, California
Overview:
The University of California, Berkeley―commonly known as UC Berkeley―was founded in 1868 and is considered one of the most prestigious and historic universities in the United States. Renowned for its academic excellence, the campus has also served as a focal point for social and political movements, particularly the student protests of the 1960s. Berkeley embodies a spirit of freedom and bold, progressive thinking, and has profoundly influenced institutions of learning around the world.

That free-spirited and forward-looking mindset has left its mark on the cultural scene as well. Berkeley has played a key role in shaping subcultures through music, art, and fashion. The logo T-shirts and sweatshirts worn by students have come to symbolize not only campus pride but also a sense of defiance and individuality that extends far beyond the university itself.

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The entrance to the Cal Student Store is surprisingly charming. Decorated with adorable bear motifs from top to bottom, it’s the kind of door that makes you smile without even realizing it.
Ryo, caught up in the moment, went to swing it open confidently―
Click. Locked.

Trying to save face, he froze in place, striking an oddly dramatic pose―as if to mask the awkwardness.
Around us, students zipped past in all directions.

“Wait, this isn’t the entrance?”
Muttering that, we gave up trying to figure it out ourselves and followed the flow of students headed elsewhere.
Soon, Ryo tried another door and again gave it a hearty push―
Another click. The door rattled but didn’t budge.

Seeing our confusion, a kind student opened the door from the inside.
“Oh, thank you,” we said, stepping in―only to be greeted by the mouthwatering smell of food. It was lunchtime.
“Alright, let’s go find the Student Store,” we said and started walking―
And that’s when we realized it.

This wasn’t the store.

We had ended up inside the student union building, run by the student government―a place not usually open to outsiders without a campus ID.

After making a full circle around the building, we finally found the real entrance to the actual Student Store.
But honestly, it was fine. American campuses are full of students of all ages. Surely we didn’t look too out of place―or so we told ourselves.

At last, we arrived at the real Student Store and enjoyed shopping to our hearts’ content.
While waiting in line at the register, I suddenly remembered something.
At Yale’s Student Store, they had asked, “Are you a student here? There’s a student discount.”
This time, no one asked.

Which could only mean one thing―
It was obvious: we didn’t look like students at all.

Just moments ago, we had been wandering around the student center like we belonged there.
And now, it was official: we were “those slightly odd people.”