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Having a great idea for a business is not enough to become a successful entrepreneur. Whether you want to start a business while you’re still at university or wait until after you graduate, there are a few things you need to do to prepare.

1. Understand the Market

Your market research needs to look at what customers want and where existing businesses are falling short. Identify a unique selling point that will mean customers have a reason to choose you over your competitors.

2. Create Your Strategic Plan

Once you have an understanding of the market and its potential, you can create a strategic plan. This will state what you want to achieve with your business venture and how you’ll reach your goals. You should have specific objectives along with a timeline to reach them, an idea of the hurdles that may stand in your way, and a list of resources you need to acquire. Consider both the best and worst case scenarios to ensure you have a shot at success.

3. Attend Networking Events

It’s important to network with people who may be interested in investing in your company, customers who can tell you what they’re looking for, and experienced business owners who can advise you on how to avoid making the same mistakes they did. To meet these people, join networking events, attend meetups for entrepreneurs, and reach out to your target customers.

4. Find a Mentor

At networking events, see if you can connect with someone who is willing to be your mentor. Someone who has experience in your particular field is ideal. Make sure you ask plenty of questions — and always heed the advice your mentor gives you.

5. Fund Your Venture

Even low-cost business ideas require some funding to get off the ground. The good news is you have multiple options: you could start a crowdfunding campaign, take out a loan, contact angel investors and venture capital firms, or research government grants for young entrepreneurs.

6. Work on Your Credit Score

You’re more likely to receive approval funding if you have a good credit score. As a student, the best ways to do this are to pay your rent and bills on time and pay off the balance on your credit card in full each month.

7. Keep Up with the Latest Trends

A change in your industry could mean you need to rethink parts of your business idea. Stay up to date with industry news, including the latest technology and innovations. Monitor the tactics your competitors are using that have led to both success and failure.

You’ll also need somewhere you can work on your business idea in peace and have phone calls with people who are interested in becoming involved in your venture. The only way to gain this kind of atmosphere is to live in an independent apartment. Parkway lofts offers Brock University off-campus housing that has everything you need to be successful. In addition to a private bedroom in a shared or studio apartment, you’ll be able to meet new people in the common area lounge, have a workout at the fitness centre, and walk to nearby restaurants and stores. Take a virtual tour to explore all the facilities.

The Danish concept of hygge has taken the world by storm. Since it’s all about creating a welcoming atmosphere, it’s ideal for college students who want to create a home away from home. But what exactly is hygge and how can you apply it to your life?

The Definition of Hygge

There is no direct translation of hygge. The word describes a sense of warmth and a cozy atmosphere where you can fully relax. As soon as you enter a place that is hygge, your worries fall away and you feel safe.

Often, hygge means being with friends and family, but you can also be on your own, enjoying the simple pleasures of life.

The Hygge Aesthetic

Hygge has become one of the most popular interior design styles for homes in general, but it is particularly well suited for student apartments. College can be stressful. Having a welcoming home to come back to at the end of the day can help relieve some stress. Key to a hygge apartment are a comfortable place to sit, reminders of fond memories, and smells that make you think of home.

In addition to interior design, hygge can relate to your own appearance. Hygge clothing can be whatever you enjoy wearing. Layers are important in hygge, especially on chilly days. Scarves, thick socks, and any clothing in neutral tones and soft materials are ideal. Trends, however, don’t matter — in fact, there’s nothing more hygge than a baggy sweater from a thrift store.

Creating a Hygge Apartment

Turning your student apartment hygge doesn’t need to cost much — it’s actually better if you use things you already have. However, if you’ve just moved in and are looking for some decoration ideas, focus on soft lighting and a cozy feel. Fairy lights are a great alternative to keeping the overhead lights on, whereas candles can add both a glow and scent. You should also try to have plenty of throw blankets, pillows, and rugs. If you know how to knit, you could even make some things yourself.  Spending time knitting is definitely hygge!

Making Your Events Hygge

A central aspect of hygge is enjoying the company of others. There are several ways to make the events you host more hygge. Firstly, remember that just because you’re the host doesn’t mean all the responsibility falls to you. Hygge is about everyone participating equally. If you host a dinner or movie night, all your friends should contribute a dish or snacks. It’s even more hygge to cook something together, especially comfort foods that take a while to prepare. Everyone should bring an ingredient or two and participate in the preparation.

To achieve hygge at home, you’ll need an apartment that is possible to make comfortable and is big enough for you to be able to invite several friends over. You’ll find luxury Niagara College student housing at Parkway Lofts. We have studio, two-bedroom, and four-bedroom apartments, all of which come fully furnished. All you need to do is bring your personal touch to make your home hygge. Book a tour now.

Since housing will be one of your biggest expenses while at college, it’s important to be selective about where you live. The huge number of choices can be overwhelming, but you can narrow down your options by looking for a few key features.

1. Great Location

The first thing you should think about when searching for student housing is where you want to live. As well as being near campus, look for amenities in the community, such as coffee shops, grocery stores, pharmacies, and restaurants. You may also prefer a quiet neighbourhood where you’ll be able to study in peace.

2. Safety Features

Both the neighbourhood and the building itself need to be safe. Consider how comfortable you feel when walking around the neighbourhood as well as security features on the apartment building, such as locks and video surveillance.

3. Reasonable Price

Set a budget before you start your search to immediately rule out any housing that’s too expensive. When you’re figuring out your budget, take into account other expenses you’ll incur, such as books, utilities (unless these are included in the rent), food, and other essentials.

4. Public Transportation or Parking

You may be able to find apartments available for a lower rent if you live slightly farther from campus. However, this could be more problematic than it’s worth if you’ll struggle to make it to your classes. If you rely on public transportation, find out if there’s a bus stop near the apartment and a direct route to campus. If you have your own car, you’ll need parking near the apartment. Alternatively, you may find an apartment that’s close enough for you to cycle to campus, in which case you’ll need bike storage.

5. Furnishings

It’s ideal if you can find a fully-furnished apartment equipped with modern appliances. Not needing to purchase furniture yourself will lead to significant cost savings and avoid complicated logistics when you move out. Having laundry facilities and a full kitchen will make your life more comfortable.

6. Internet Connectivity

You’ll find it difficult to study at home unless you have a fast internet connection. Whether you’re taking online classes or doing research for a paper, you need reliable internet. Ideally, you’ll be able to access the internet in your apartment and other places in the building, such as dedicated study areas.

7. Sufficient Space

Avoid apartments that are especially small, as you’ll likely find you lack enough space for all your belongings. If you’re attending college a long way from home, you may have a large amount of clothing to suit all seasons — and you need to be able to pack away whatever you’re not using. You may also have equipment for sports and hobbies.

Whereas you won’t find most of these features with on-campus housing, you will gain all the above at Parkway Lofts. Our Niagara College student housing is designed with what students want in mind. We offer convenience, affordability, privacy, and comfort all in one place to bring you the college experience you deserve. Apply now!

The start of a new semester is the ideal time to think about the things you could do to have the best semester yet. There are a number of steps you can take to ensure a successful spring semester. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

1. Map Out Your Calendar

As soon as you have your class schedule, write the key dates on your calendar. Then, use this information to create a study schedule. If your classes involve any large projects, break them down into manageable chunks, setting targets to finish each part ahead of the due date.

2. Take Failures in Your Stride

It’s common to occasionally find a class is more difficult than you had expected or to receive a lower grade than you wanted. Instead of feeling down, take steps to improve. Visit your professor during office hours to ask how you can succeed in class. Remember, you can also reach out to your professors via email if you have an urgent query.

3. Use the Academic Resources Available to You

Your university has more ways to support you than just through your professors. For instance, academic advisors can ensure you’re on track for meeting the requirements of your major, librarians can help you find the resources you need for a project, and your campus writing centre can help you fine-tune a paper. Finally, if you’re finding a particular class especially difficult, you may benefit from a tutor.

4. Meet Someone New in Each Class

A big part of university is making social connections. Meeting people in your classes is particularly advantageous because it can improve your motivation. Aim to meet at least one person in each class to have someone you can study, discuss doubts, and share notes with (such as if one of you needs to miss a class).

5. Participate in Plenty of Extracurriculars

Another way to meet new people and enrich your experience at university is to join clubs, organizations, and intramural sport leagues. These are great for developing skills outside of classes (such as leadership skills), discovering new interests, and staying fit.

6. Improve Your Study Practices

You may need to experiment with a variety of study habits to find what works best for you. For instance, whereas some people work best in a quiet environment, others are able to concentrate better if they listen to music or when they’re around other people. You may also discover you’re more productive at particular times of day. Lastly, it’s worth figuring out how long you can stay focused before you need a break.

You’ll be more successful at university if you feel comfortable where you live. Use your free time over the spring semester to search for better housing. Now’s the ideal time to start your search, as the best places are more likely to have availability. For Brock University off-campus housing, there’s no need to look far: you can move into Parkway Lofts. You’ll be just a short distance from campus and have access to a range of great amenities. Apply for a spot now!