At EF Academy, the campus store plays a surprisingly important role in everyday student life. Whether it’s grabbing a quick snack between classes, picking up a warm drink on a cold morning, or just stopping to say hello, the store has become a small but meaningful part of the school community.
Nyjah, who has been working in the store for about six months, described the store as “pretty cool” and said it inspires him to be more creative with drinks. He reported that the most popular items are mainly the cafe selections and the ice cream. During his free time, when students are in class, he cleans, reorganizes, and prepares for the next rush in the store.
When asked, Nyjah said his favorite part of working in the store is when students come in to greet him, “it gives me a little ‘oh, hi!’ moment.” Even though he is naturally quiet, over time, he hopes he will be more confident reaching out and supporting students, not just picking the right products for them. Looking ahead, he also hopes to offer discounts and birthday specials for students, if possible.
For many students at EF Academy, the campus store’s convenience is one of its biggest strengths. Teresa Lien, who visits the store every day, described the store as convenient and enticing. She purchases the chocolate, the tea latte, and the ice cream most often, especially Häagen-Dazs ice cream. Lien enjoys greeting and interacting with staff and hopes the store can restock the items more frequently.
Vera Huang visits the store about twice a week. She describes it as “not bad” and usually buys lattes and chocolate. Her interactions with the staff are simple but positive. If she could add one improvement, it would be for the store to offer more food and snack options for students.
Overall, the campus store is more than just a place to grab a drink or snack—it’s a comforting, familiar spot that students return to throughout their days. Whether they are picking up an iced drink, talking briefly with staff, or just taking a moment to relax between classes, the store adds warmth and convenience to campus life.
