Urban Campus and in’li are continuing their partnership in Île-de-France with the acquisition and co-living management of a new coliving residence in Bagneux by Nexity with 78 new studios at competitive rates and aimed at young working people.

Paris, March 16, 2023, Urban Campus , a French real estate player that designs and manages coliving and Build-to-Rent (BTR) residences, announces, in collaboration with in’li and Nexity , the signing of a new off-plan coliving residence, with 78 studios in Bagneux (92), the construction of which has been entrusted to Nexity with architects from V&A Société d’Architecture. 

Just three months after signing a similar project in Ivry-sur-Seine for 165 coliving studios, Urban Campus confirms its establishment in the Paris region, this time in Hauts-de-Seine. At the same time, the residential real estate specialist is continuing its development in France with, among other things, projects in Alsace and Hauts-de-France and is preparing to market its first coliving residence in Lille very soon.

A response to the shortage of attractive housing suffered by young working people.

Faced with the increasing difficulties encountered by young workers in accessing rental accommodation, Urban Campus and in’li, under the project management of Nexity, are offering in a competitive market, 78 new studios for coliving at competitve rates, which provides a more affordable option compared to traditional rental offers.

These new housing units with attractive rates, are close to employment markets and various transportation options, promoting residential and professional mobility for a whole segment of the population who today have great difficulty finding housing. The new arrivals will consist of young people at the start of their careers or employees on medium or long-term assignments are who will find this new rental offer an adequate response to their expectations and needs.

In order to guarantee these innovative real estate solutions, the residence will be managed by Urban Campus as part of a long-term management contract and the management strategy of in’li, an institutional lessor subsidiary of the Action Logement group. In’li’s mission is to develop an affordable and sustainable housing offer in tense areas to bring middle-class employees and young workers closer to their workplace.

The recognized experience of Urban Campus in the management of coliving residences provides the community of residents with support conducive to exchanges, sharing, and synergies. A whole program of entertainment and events promotes the feeling of belonging to a community wishing to move forward together on professional, associative and local projects.

A residence that participates in the redevelopment of an entire district of Bagneux

The building of 78 new studios in Bagneux will be designed in order to ensure the essential balance of coliving, between quality private and connected spaces, cozy shared spaces (kitchen, lounges ), and inspiring, functional, and user-friendly common spaces (coworking space, gym, rooftop, event spaces, projection room, terraces). The residence will house several shops and restaurants on the ground floor.

Connected by the RER B, more recently by the extensions of line 4 and line 15 to come, and close to employment hubs, shops and restaurants, the residence is part of the architectural and real estate redevelopment of the neighborhood.

The new coliving is certified RE2020 / NF Habitat HQE; labels that guarantee buildings that meet all of the housing quality criteria: comfort, quality of life, respect for the environment, and economic and environmental performance.

Anxious to limit the carbon footprint of its construction, Nexity wanted to keep the facade of the old building in the project.

Urban Campus is involved with Nexity from start to finish in the residence’s VEFA program and participates in the design of the space, at all stages of construction, until the opening in 2025.

If you are looking for the best bars to celebrate this St. Patrick’s Day in Madrid, look no further than in the neighborhood that has it all – Cuatro Caminos! Get ready to raise a glass and cheers to this festive occasion in the best locations. We have prepared a list of the top bars offering Irish-themed drinks, décor, and party in this lively part of the city for this Friday, March 17th. 

This article covers the traditional Irish pubs near Urban Campus Cuatro Caminos Coliving. So, grab your colivers, put some green on, and get ready to have a nice cold Guinness. 

Irish Rover 

The Irish Rover just on an architectural level is absolutely stunning. When you walk in you will see stone floors, a vintage street light, and all the seating areas surrounded by wood. Honestly, you feel as though you were just transported to Ireland. 

Don’t believe us? Go to Avenida de Brasil, 7, Madrid to find out. 

Proper pints. Yes, we say it and we mean it, the concept of “doble” here does not exist. When you order a beer you can go for the “small” version (honestly we didn’t ask the size so we do not know that answer) or order yourself a proper pint which is equivalent to 568mL (20 fl oz). You will have an array of beers to choose from at the Irish Rover. If you are feeling dangerous and want to give an Irish beer since you are celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day of course, aside from Guinness we recommend Murphy’s Irish Red or if you want something lighter, Magners Irish Cider is also very tasty! 

Are you looking for live music this Friday? This is your place. Get there early, they get pretty busy, but we are positive you will love the atmosphere! People, dancing, drinking, laughing, and appreciating the Irish artists throughout the entire building – you won’t want to miss it! If you cannot go this Friday, this pub is still one of the best places to go out in Cuatro Caminos from Friday to Sunday so definitely keep it on your list. 

The Irish Rover can be found an 18-minute walk away or a 14-minute metro ride from Urban Campus Cuatro Caminos Coliving.

Paddys Irish Pub 

Paddys Irish Pub lives up to its name, as it is a typical Irish bar with Irish whiskeys and Irish beers, both bottled and on tap. An authentic feel, perfect for a Saint Patrick’s Day celebration with friends!

Some of the highlights of Paddys are the Gaelic art pieces across the walls, as well as their outdoor terrace. They usually have music on throughout the night, but being Saint Patrick’s we are told that they will make sure you are up and dancing!

Are you bringing a big group of people? Don’t worry, their tables are easy to move and can accommodate a group of happy customers. 

Paddy’s is a quick 23-minute bus ride from Cuatro Caminos Coliving, so wear some green and head to Avenida de Concha Espina, 69. 

The Beer Temple

A solid selection of craft beers is what The Beer Temple is all about! This bar has an environment like no other when there is a rugby, or football match so can you imagine how it will be this Friday, March 17th? 

Known for its good service, The Beer Temple definitely has to be on your bar-hopping list. In terms of food, there is a lot of sharing options available. Some of their starters include your typical nacho dish, wings, onion rings, and potato wedges – you just cannot go wrong!

Located a mere 9-minute walk from Cuatro Caminos Coliving head over to Calle. de Almansa, 85!

Luas Irish Tavern

The cozy pub and the big terrace at Luas Irish Travern offers the perfect space to enjoy spending time with friends or grabbing a quick bite to eat. They have an array of apertivios for you to properly celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day and their staff tends to recommend pairing a Guinness and pig ears to really get in the mood and prepare yourself for the celebrations to come. 

Located on Calle de Villaamil, 5 Luas Irish Tavern is only an 11-minute bus ride from Urban Campus Cuatro Caminos Coliving so head on over, and enjoy the music, the atmosphere, and the service! 

In conclusion, if you are looking for a memorable Saint Patrick’s Day celebration in Madrid, look no further than the Irish pubs provided above. With their lively atmosphere, authentic Irish decor, and delicious food and drink, these pubs are the perfect place to get into the holiday spirit. And when the festivities are over, you can retreat to your comfortable and convenient accommodation at Urban Campus Cuatro Caminos Coliving with your amazing community members!

How to Create a Thriving Community

Maintaining a happy and healthy community is key to its success, but it’s easier said than done. Having a dedicated Head of Community who is committed to the betterment of the community can make all the difference. In this article, we will explore the steps that Urban Campus has taken to create a thriving community.

Understand the Nature of Communities

It’s important to understand that communities can be cyclical. Not every member will be equally driven or involved. As a community operator, you may experience down times, but it’s just part of the process. Our goal is to bring together a group of strangers who share similar values and lifestyles and help them build a home together. At Urban Campus, we strive for a self-sustaining community that relies on us for support and guidance.

Effective Onboarding

At Urban Campus, we believe in creating a strong and inclusive community from the very start. Before our tenants move into their new home, our sales team takes the time to introduce them to our community during their initial interview call. They will explain our values, events, community meals, and clubs that we offer. It’s important for us to carefully curate the people who join our community to ensure that everyone has an open mindset and is willing to get involved. We understand that a vibrant community requires a mix of personalities and perspectives, both extroverts and introverts alike.

Technology at Urban Campus

At Urban Campus, we have embraced technology to enhance our community experience. Three days before moving in, new residents receive emails asking them to register for our in-house app. A few weeks later, we send out feedback forms to gain a deeper understanding of their experience.

Our app serves as a vital tool for transparency and scalability, providing a platform for both Urban Campus staff and community members to create events. Tenants can join clubs that interest them and are automatically added to group chats, encouraging them to connect with others who share similar hobbies, regardless of which building they live in. This app has become a hub for members to connect and has greatly streamlined communication and event planning. Since its introduction in September 2022, we have seen a 60% increase in club interaction.

Urban Campus Community Co-Creation Sessions

Our co-creation sessions are designed to foster open communication and gather valuable insights from our community members, known as colivers. These quarterly gatherings provide a platform for our colivers to voice their concerns, share their experiences, and offer suggestions on how we can better serve their needs.

At Urban Campus, we believe that our community is the cornerstone of our success. That’s why we encourage active participation and value their opinions in shaping the future of their living experience. Our goal is to create an environment where everyone feels heard, supported, and empowered to make positive changes.

By gathering feedback, addressing any tensions or misunderstandings, and making necessary adjustments to our spaces and processes, we strive to continuously improve and provide the best possible living experience for our colivers. We acknowledge that frustrations may arise, but together, with open and honest communication, we can overcome any challenges and create a thriving community.

Fostering Community Interests through Events

We believe in supporting and promoting the passions and interests of our community members. That’s why we make an effort to bring these projects to life and showcase them within our spaces.

For instance, Albus Burger, a company started by one of our colivers in Mellado Madrid Coliving during the pandemic, offers a unique Uruguayan recipe and brings members together for delicious meals. As a testament to our commitment to supporting our community, we are proud to announce that Albus Burger is our official burger partner. Every quarter, we host a Welcome BBQ where current and new members can enjoy their offerings and learn more about their business.

We understand that our community members have unique interests and talents, and we strive to provide opportunities for them to showcase and share these with the rest of the community. If there is a way to support and bring attention to a community member’s passion, we will do everything in our power to make it happen.

Building Strong Community Partnerships

Creating a positive impact not only within our spaces, but also in the surrounding neighborhoods is extremely important to us. Which is why we form partnerships with local businesses to enhance the value of the area and bring added benefits to our colivers.

Our focus is on supporting sustainable and local businesses, and we continually seek new and innovative ways to collaborate with them. Whether it’s through formal agreements or tailored events, our goal is to strengthen the community and promote the growth of local businesses.

By forging strong partnerships with local businesses, we aim to create a vibrant and thriving community that benefits everyone involved.

Continuous Improvement through Community Learnings

As the Head of Community at Urban Campus, I have been committed to finding ways to enhance the community experience for our colivers. One initiative I launched was the community catalyst program, from which I have gained valuable insights and lessons.

Initially, the idea was to have a designated member from each space encourage and foster community spirit for a few months. However, I soon realized that our colivers preferred not to have additional responsibilities and felt that the program added unnecessary pressure. Despite this challenge, I have learned that finding the right framework for a community catalyst role remains a work in progress.

Our community is one of the three core pillars of the company, and we are dedicated to continuously improving and adapting to meet their needs and expectations. By actively seeking feedback, refining our processes, and making necessary changes, we strive to create a happy and thriving community.

Urban Campus Mellado is the first coliving to achieve the BREEAM In-Use green building certification! This is just the beginning of our sustainable path. 

What is BREEAM In-Use?

The purpose of the certification is to provide building owners, facility managers, investment managers, and building occupiers with a consistent and credible means of determining the impact and performance of their buildings, and deciding the areas for improvement. Many factors are considered, such as: materials, energy, water and utility usage, and management processes put in place, among others.

Our building not only provides greater health and comfort for those who live in it, but it also means greater profitability for those who build, operate and maintain it.

Why Mellado?

Mellado was our first coliving building in Madrid. It was originally built in the 1960s and has been renovated to be more circular. Since 2018 it has been operated as an Urban Campus coliving. The building layout was optimized and the envelope was improved to reduce energy consumption which in turn has a direct effect not only on the environment but also on operational costs. It was during the refurbishment phase that the space was optimized to create common areas that added value, reduced loneliness, and promoted social moments between tenants. 

We have put in place policies and communication to promote a responsible community and encourage healthy spaces. Some examples include, waste management protocols (recycling and reducing), shared appliances in certain areas, and reduced water fixtures. 

Mellado is also a smart space that is digitally managed. By tracking and measuring consumption patterns, we have proactively solved overconsumption, and reduced emissions with the help of power meters like Wibeee.

All these factors were taken into account upon being rewarded with the BREAAM In-Use certification. Usability and comfort will always stand for all of our buildings.

So What’s Next?

We know this is just the very first step of the journey. In the next years, you will see many actions within this line from our partners and our company. Our objective is to reduce the carbon footprint and emissions of our present and future buildings. We strive for more efficient, modular, and responsible construction, and will continue digitalizing our operations further. The end goal is to provide our residents with healthy conscious spaces. 

Here is your official guide for getting out of the city of Lille to the Dunkirk Carnival! But you cannot go alone, so grab your fellow colivers from Urban Campus Lille Saint So’ Coliving and get ready for this unforgettable event.

Every year, the small town of Dunkirk in Northern France comes to life with a vibrant and colorful carnival. The Dunkirk Carnival, also known as the Carnaval de Dunkerque, one of France’s craziest and oldest festivals. This year, the carnival will take place from February 18th until February 26th, 2023.

History of the Dunkirk Carnival 

The Dunkirk Carnival has rich cultural tradition, dating back to the 16th century. It was originally a celebration that marked the end of the winter season and the arrival of spring. Over the years, the carnival has evolved into a vibrant event that showcases the cultural heritage and traditions of the town. Today, the carnival is an integral part of Dunkirk’s identity and is celebrated with great pride and passion.

What will there be?

There are plenty of things for you to enjoy throughout your day-trip or weekend getaway to Dunkirk. From the colorful parade of floats and costumes to the live music performances featuring international artists, people dancing on the streets – you will see it all. And, of course, no carnival is complete without delicious food, with a variety of street vendors serving up traditional carnival meals. 

The Highlights

One of the main highlights of the Dunkirk Carnival is the parade of floats and costumes. It is a truly incredible experience to see, let alone to be a part of! You will find yourself in a sea of colours while staring at an array of intricate and elaborate costumes. Speaking of sea…if you do not like fish we recommend you step far away from the Belfry’s balcony around 17h. The mayor will be there throwing almost 500 kg of herring into the crowd and then the real battle begins…

Throughout the day, far into the night, you will be immersed in the chaos of the city. With music and drinks flowing and a wave of umbrellas in the air – be ready to live it!

How to get to the Carnival 

Now that you know everything there is about the Dunkirk Carnival, it is time to grab your fellow colivers in Lille and head to the festival! When taking the TER, it is a relatively short train ride, approximately 1 hour and 8 minutes only, or if you have a car only a 58-minute drive. 

It is your time to get dressed up, take it all in and most of all ENJOY IT!

Spain’s new digital nomad visa is finally here making it one of the most attractive destinations for remote workers. The goal is to promote Spain as one of the leading countries in attracting entrepreneurs, investors, and qualified workers in the greatest living conditions.

Spain has long been a popular destination for travelers, with its rich history, stunning architecture, beautiful beaches, and world-famous cuisine. Data also proves that Spain is considered one of the top 20 healthiest places to live in the world by analyzing factors such as life expectancy, cost of healthcare, air pollution, obesity rates, safety, sunlight hours, and more! However, the country has faced challenges in recent years due to a high unemployment rate, making it difficult for nationals and expats alike to find work. Expats often face the additional challenge of limited job opportunities under government programs, which primarily require English teachers. This results in highly skilled individuals, such as engineers, being unable to work in their field and being urged to teach instead. This leads to the heartbreaking decision to leave the country despite falling in love with its culture and way of life.

About the Digital Nomad Visa

The digital nomad visa is available to self-employed individuals or those working for a company based outside of Spain. Applicants must demonstrate that they have a steady income and provide proof of adequate health insurance coverage. The visa is valid for one year and can be renewed annually, providing remote workers with the flexibility to live and work in the country for as long as they wish.

We will provide you with the insights to better understand if you can apply for this visa and what it is you will need to provide to receive it. 

Who can apply for the Digital Nomad Visa

All citizens who are non-EU nationals that work remotely for non-Spanish companies are able to apply for the new visa.

How to apply for the Digital Nomad Visa 

The latest steps that we have researched are the following: 

• Ensure you have a contract with the current company you are working with for at least one year
• You must submit your criminal records certificate with a minimum validity of 90 days, they must be legalized and apostilled. You will also need to provide a sworn statement that you do not have a criminal record within the last five years
• Fill out the application form which can be found here 
• Pay the administrative fee for the visa
• Contract private health insurance with full coverage throughout Spain
• Provide a bank certificate proving the possession of at least €28,000 for the main applicant, which is 200% of the minimum wage in Spain
• A letter of authorization from your company allowing you to work in Spain

We want to also mention this article from Planet Nomad because they are constantly updating their blogs with the latest protocols. Planet Nomad also provides insights into other visas from neighbouring countries in case you are interested. 

For those who would like to know of the alternatives to the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa, please take a look at this website here.

 

Where to live in Spain?

With your visa in hand, it’s time to decide where to call home in Spain. Madrid, the capital city, is a thriving metropolis that offers a vibrant lifestyle. For seamless integration into your new surroundings, consider residing in a coliving space. Urban Campus has five prime-located coliving buildings in Madrid, all fully equipped with everything you need to make your move as stress-free as possible. Our unique coliving spaces offer ample opportunities for socializing with neighbors through a variety of common areas.

Valencia is another highly recommended destination for nomads, with several articles singling it out as the top place to live and work abroad. Luckily Urban Campus Ayora Valencia Coliving is set to open in July 2023, offering 41 fully equipped studios and 200m2 of common spaces, including a gym, coworking area, cinema room, shared kitchen and dining area, laundry room, and rooftop barbecue, showers, and chill-out zone. This is the perfect opportunity for you to join our international community and experience Valencia’s vibrant culture.

If you’re interested in the Digital Nomad lifestyle, Spain isn’t your only option. There is a rapidly number growing of countries offering digital nomad opportunities to qualifying individuals. Check out this guide for more digital nomad visa opportunities around the world. 

Stay connected with us on our Instagram page to keep up-to-date on our latest openings, current properties, and events. We don’t want you to miss out on finding your future home in Spain!

Acting on behalf of one of its investment funds, Primonial REIM has signed the acquisition of two build-to-rent buildings, located in Massy and Marseille, with Nexity. This transaction is part of the partnership between the developer and Urban Campus, whose architects will design the spaces to optimize them for BTR use.

“After a first successful operation in Saint-Louis, we are proud to extend this partnership with Urban Campus and to have the confidence of Primonial REIM as an investor in this operation,” says Fabrice Aubert, Nexity’s Deputy Managing Director in charge of institutional clients. He adds: “The real estate market is undergoing a major change in usage, which is why we have chosen to make the managed real estate offer a strategic development axis; build-to-rent is one of the major vectors for us.

The Massy Atlantis residence (NF Habitat HQE level excellent, Biodiversity) will be built in co-promotion with Novaxia and will develop 100 units from one to five rooms in a landscaped “quality” block with a shared rooftop. The Marseille development (NF Habitat HQE level, BDM bronze level) will include 75 units from one to five rooms, all with balconies and terraces, both private and shared. They will also feature furnished common areas: game rooms, fitness areas, coworking spaces, etc.

“These two residences will provide all tenants with a quality living environment, in line with new lifestyles and work methods (telecommuting, sharing economy, local roots),” says Maxime Armand, Urban Campus’ COO.

In this transaction, Nexity was advised by 137 Notaires (Mathieu Simon) and Primonial REIM by Lexfair Notaires (Annamaria Brogna) and Ikory Project Services. The marketing was carried out by JLL (Florence Semelin) and Savills (Mathieu Guillebault).

To view the original article in French written by Business IMMO click here. 

You might be moving to Lille and are excited to make it your new home but also a little nervous about what’s to come. This article is to make you feel confident with your decision of moving into Urban Campus Saint So’ Lille Coliving. We will explain all that you will find in your new apartment or studio, how it is that you will have your friends literally at your doorstep, the cool spaces you will be making memories in, and just how easy this whole move is going to be!

What is inside your new home? – Apartments, Standard & Mezzanine Studios 

In Urban Campus Lille Coliving you have the option of moving into a one-bedroom apartment, standard studio, or mezzanine studio. All are completely furnished and equipped. What exactly does this mean? Upon arrival, you will not have to purchase anything. At Urban Campus our spaces are “toothbrush ready” and we pride ourselves on that. Your private unit will have everything from plates, glasses, mugs, wine glasses, teatowels, kitchen appliances including a microwave, toaster, coffee press, a bed, pillows, duvet, side table, hangers, cleaning supplies, and even some decor to make you feel right at home. The list goes on and on, but we recommend prior to purchasing anything for your new flat, on the first day you should explore every drawer there is. We are sure you will not be disappointed.

What are common spaces? 

Aside from having your newly renovated apartment, you will have access to 300 sqm of common areas. Why do we have this? We have comfortable shared spaces so that you are encouraged to have more encounters with your colivers, for you to truly feel like you are part of a community. This is why in Lille Saint So’ Coliving you will find; a coworking space to step away from your desk at home, a fitness area equipped with everything you need to be healthy, an additional shared kitchen to encourage you to spend time with your fellow colivers and share a delicious meal, a cinema room for the ultimate experience, a lounge to have the space to chill, a terrace to enjoy the beautiful outdoors, and a laundry room.

What is included? 

There are plenty of things that are included in the monthly rental. For example; wifi and all utilities are included, meaning water, heating, and electricity – you won’t have to worry about it! Which gives our colivers peace of mind. The maintenance of your flats is also included, so if something happens you can tell our support team right away. Weekly cleaning of the common areas and monthly cleaning of your private unit is also included. If you wish to have the cleaning done bi-weekly, or once a week you can let our team know and an additional service charge will be added each month. The best part of “everything included” would definitely be the community events we hold. The activities our Head of Community puts together can vary every month, but they are designed for you to turn your neighbors from strangers into friends. You will also have a monthly dinner sponsored by Urban Campus for the entire building. If you are curious about what some community events may be, take a look at our Instagram!

We are extremely excited for you to join our Lille coliving community! In Madrid, we have had people in our spaces build genuine friendships, some have become partners, not only in business but also in love. Coliving is to bring like-minded individuals together, to provide you with the best service possible and for the ultimate convenience when moving to a new flat.

Are you ready now?

We have provided 3 things that you should consider to make 2023 a great year.

New Year, New Me – we have heard it all before, but what is it that you plan on doing to achieve this and truly feel the “new me” concept this year? Why is it that people wait until the new year to make those changes that they think about the other 11 months of the year? This is known as the “fresh start effect,” which suggests it is easier to adopt new habits and make the changes at natural transition points. This idea of a “new beginning” can be defined by several occasions such as the start of a new season, a birthday, or in the case of many a new year.

We want to get you on track for 2023 and have three recommendations that can help have an impact on you. 

It is officially January 5th, so we may be a little late, but it was the holidays, you had family and friends over at your new coliving, events in and out of the city, and lots of food to eat. So we know you are just starting to wrap your head around the idea of making changes to your life, and we wanted to give you some time to rest.

Be Smart 

We believe one of the most crucial things you should consider while making a goal for this year is to be smart. In a 1981 issue of a Management Review magazine, a writer explained that all goals should be SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-related). The purpose behind this is for each one of your goals to have meaning and weight. 

Specific: Your goal should be clear, you cannot vaguely state what you want because it won’t be enough. For example, saying “I want to lose weight this year” should be changed to “I want to lose 20kg by the beginning of March 2023”. 

Measurable: When it comes to losing weight, this may seem obvious because you would be seeing the numbers on the scale, however, this is also your opportunity to take it even further. Writing down your progress or taking pictures can reinforce your goal and your commitment to it. Another example may be, if you have a bad habit of biting your nails, take a picture every three days and track how you are doing. 

Achievable: We recommend that you make realistic goals. Why? We don’t want you to be frustrated or angry at yourself when you do not achieve them. Saying that you will save 700 euros per month when perhaps your salary is 1,200 may not be realistic as time passes. Perhaps you can start by saving 150 euros and if the goal becomes easier, slowly increase it. 

Relevant: Ensuring that this goal really matters to you is important. You should be making these changes because you know you will be happy about the outcome. 

Time-related: Your timeline towards achieving this goal or any you have set should be realistic as well. It’s all about the small wins, so set yourself up for success. 

Focus on Your Life Force 

Phil Stutz, is a well-known psychiatrist who speaks in-depth about this concept of your Life Force in his book “The Tools”. He says that when you constantly work on your life force, everything else will just fall into place.

Stutz recommends you think of your life force as a pyramid, with key relationships being formed: the base is the relationship you have with your body, the middle section is the relationship you have with people and the top section is the relationship you have with yourself. 

The Relationship with your Body
Sleep, exercise, and diet, we have heard it all before but the impact that this has on your day-to-day well-being is astonishing. As soon as you begin to have a positive relationship with your body and genuinely care for it, you will notice the mood change in you almost immediately. This portion of your life force has 85% control of your happiness and inner peace. 

The Relationship with People
Sometimes it is easier to stay home, escape from the world, and turn on Netflix, but human connection is important. Take the initiative to call your friends and family and make those plans happen. We learn so much from others, both good and bad, but the act of physically being with people and sharing experiences is such a critical element of having a happy life. Humans are social animals. 

The Relationship with Yourself
This relationship, for most, is the hardest. Stutz recommends in order to properly build a relationship with yourself you must get to know your unconscious, and the best way of doing that would be to write to yourself. By writing, you discover things you may not have realized you have been thinking about. This may be the most difficult because you need to dedicate the time to write. Perhaps it is not an everyday activity, especially when you are first getting started, but put yourself in the position to be open-minded about the process, it is said to be the most surprising out of the three. You owe it to yourself, to know who you are. 

Take Time to Meditate

Meditation is a discipline on its own. Some people find it extremely difficult to keep focused throughout the session or to even find the 5-15 minutes needed to do it. However, the benefits are huge.

Scientifically speaking, when you meditate you reduce stress, control anxiety, promote emotional health, enhance self-awareness, lengthen your attention span, reduce age-related memory loss, improve sleep, decrease blood pressure, and much more. 

Being mindful is something many struggle with, and meditation has a way of helping you stop, slow down, take it all in and be there. 

Some of our team members at Urban Campus use HeadSpace for their daily meditation needs. It is an app that offers meditation courses, daily meditation exercises, podcasts, sleep guides, and even some mini-movement workouts, all designed to help you feel better and more connected.

To get a two-week free trial to Headspace, and begin your meditation practices, click on this link.

We hope this article inspired you to begin this year off on the right foot, take control of your goals and work on being happier, because in the end that’s all we want. 

Happy 2023! 

Before the clock strikes midnight, countries around the world get ready and prepare their unique New Year’s Eve Traditions to ensure that the start of their new year is done right. 

We wanted to make sure this December 31, you not only are celebrating with family, friends and your new colivers but that you consider adding in an element that you may not have known even existed, just to give yourself some extra luck with 2023.

Here are some countless traditions that have been passed down through the generations across several countries on how to welcome in the New Year:

It is important to note that all the countries we will be sharing with you today, typically start off their last night of the year, at a party or some sort of get-together. They get dressed up, eat great food, have a few drinks, and enjoy each other’s company. However, prior to midnight people get ready for certain things to happen. 

In the USA and Canada, since 1907 the tradition has been to do the countdown while watching the ball drop (typically the one in Times Square). However, as part of English and German folklore, some people even kiss at midnight as a sign of good luck. 

In Scotland, there are many street parties that take place on New Year. Some areas may even have parades, fireworks, and torchlit processions. One of the most famous traditions done by the Scottish is known as “first footing,” where people go door-to-door to wish each other a happy new year and bring gifts such as coal, shortbread, or whisky.

In Spain, people eat 12 green grapes, with each sound of the bell representing each month of the year. We recommend you do this safely and try to get seed-less grapes. 

In Denmark, they do two things: the people believe it is critical to leave their aggression behind in order to move forward, so to achieve this they throw plates (they say the best would be china) at your friend’s and neighbour’s front doors. Once that task is completed, prior to the countdown the Danish hop up on chairs, couches maybe even tables, and once the clock strikes midnight they jump into the new year. 

In Italy, people eat cotechino, a type of sausage, and lentils, which are believed to bring good fortune. In some regions, the Italians also recommend you wear red underwear. 

In France, when the clock strikes 12 you must drink champagne, and as the night continues, you continue to drink champagne. 

In China, New Year’s Eve is known as “Chuxi” where the dragon dance is performed in order to scare away evil for the coming year. Dragons signify wisdom, power, and wealth and are believed to bring good luck. The dragon’s costumes come in various colors, all with different meanings. For example, green symbolizes a great harvest, yellow is respect for the empire, gold or silver is for prosperity and red represents excitement for a promising future.

In Costa Rica, in order to ensure you travel for the following year they recommend you take an empty suitcase and run around the block with it. This is also encouraged in other Latin countries. 

In Greece, they recommend you put onions outside your front door as it is the symbol of rebirth. The idea is that the onions will help people grow and experience a rebirth of their own in the upcoming year. 

In Brazil, they throw white flowers into the ocean as gifts to the Water Goddess Yemanja, for her to fulfill their New Year’s wishes and bring them luck. An extra tradition some Brazilians do prior to the countdown, is to have a folha de louro (bay leaf), also known as the Priest’s leaf, in their pocket. It is known as a very spiritual token and is said to sharpen your intuition. 

In Germany, an 18-minute-long video replays all day on New Year’s Eve called, “Dinner for One” on almost all channels of the tv. It is a tradition to consistently watch this show while preparing for the party, having dinner, and even just before midnight. 

In Portugal, they follow the tradition of putting money in your shoe as a sign of good fortune in the coming months.

We hope you discovered a few interesting traditions, that can easily be incorporated in your New Year’s Eve parties that may even bring you that extra luck next year you are hoping for. 

Happy New Years!