Jilin University has opened a 7-storey recreational center for use as an innovation and entrepreneurship base for students on campus and that it has provided about 500 part-time jobs, according to an Oct 29 report, which explains that it houses a supermarket, canteen, gym, swimming pool and a cinema as well.

In charge of the gym is Cai Gaoyu, a 26-year-old "Jilin Mr Fitness" and postgraduate in his third year who says that he began dreaming of having his own gym last year, but postponed the project. Then he heard about the university's interest this year and saw his big chance and says, "The biggest advantage of starting a business on campus is that I know my customers and their needs and abilities," then goes on to explain that the university lets him use the place at a lower cost than outside and helps him find staff members to support his entrepreneurship. 

Chen Zhongren (right) talks with Cai Gaoyu in the gym. [Photo from xwh.cn]

The university also offers other on-campus part-time jobs, for example the one that Tang Meijia is busy with these days in the school's burger shop, and she says, her earnings almost cover all her expenses, then adds, "Previously it was only on weekends that I had enough time to go off-campus to do some part-time work but now I can have greater flexibility every day."

The center allows the university to bring more convenience to students in setting up a business or doing some part-time work, says Chen Zhongren, the vice-chairman of the school's labor union, to which Cai adds confidently that for students, this means that they don't have to give up their entrepreneurial dreams, then concludes, "I hope to open my own gyms off-campus after I graduate."