With about a month left of summer, you probably feel like school is going to start too soon. But there are also some things — fun or quirky things — that you might actually miss about Berkeley. The good thing is that you can try to get those things when you’re not in Berkeley. Here’s how:
Go to Peet’s. Even if you don’t need the caffeine for an 8 a.m. discussion, enjoy a cup of coffee. You can go get an iced latte at Starbucks too, but we recommend Peet’s because it was founded in Berkeley and can be found on nearly every block in our city, including in front of Crossroads.
Scrapbook. Do you walk into Michael’s and walk out two hours later with more craft supplies than you know what to do with? Next time you crafty people do that, pick up some scrapbook paper and an album. Summer is a great time to reflect on your years at Cal, and it’s a great time to put those reflections on paper.
Don’t just go to the movies. We all appreciate a good summer flick. But it’s good to check out something a little different too. Maybe your hometown has a free concert or a Shakespeare festival you never knew about. Outdoor events that offer cheap student admission don’t just exist in Berkeley.
Read a book. We’re from Cal; a lot of us are total book nerds. But even if you love books, you might forget to read if you’re too busy. Before you know it, you’ll be out of sorts and wondering why. It’s because your brain’s probably crying out for something imaginative or thought-provoking. Whether it’s the latest thriller best seller or a Victorian-era novel, remind yourself how much you love reading.
Find a squirrel. You can find the greedy little fur balls in more than just your college town. Don’t believe us? Check out a park you haven’t visited in a while. Different varieties of the species inhabit all of North America. But if you really just cannot find a squirrel in your local park, there’s always the Berkeley Squirrels Facebook page.
Are there other things you miss about Berkeley? How do you stay connected to your adopted city when you’re not there? Let us know in the comments!
Image source: tobucil & klabs, under Creative Commons
Contact Jessica Rogness at [email protected] and follow her on Twitter @jessarogness.

