Standing in the cold has its perks, especially if you're Bhavya Sharma.

The Kwantlen Polytechnic University student was declared the winner of the university's SMARTEN UP campaign, offering students and the community the chance to win a car. Sharma is trading in his bus pass for the keys to a 2011 Smart Fortwo Coupe.

"I'm so excited. I usually take the bus to school, and I won't have to anymore.

Today couldn't get any better!" said Sharma, who was talking to his mom on the phone for good luck when he successfully started the car Friday.

"The response to the campaign has been overwhelming," said John McKendry, Kwantlen's president and vice chancellor.

"While the focus was on the university, new brand launch and a renewed commitment to the region as a polytechnic university, it had a wonderful outcome for Bhavya. We are very pleased and thank all those who made this a success, particularly our sponsors."

Kwantlen's SMARTEN UP campaign ran from September to March and received more than 10,000 entries. From those, 10 finalists were randomly drawn, with one additional finalist being added at the grand prize event held March 16. In the end, it was Sharma's key that started the car and therefore the grand prize.

Kwantlen Polytechnic University has been serving the Metro Vancouver region for 30 years, and has opened doors to success for more than 250,000 people. Four campuses - Richmond, Surrey, Cloverdale and Langley - offer a comprehensive range of programs, including business, liberal arts and science, design, health, trades and technology, apprenticeships, horticulture, and academic and career advancement.

RIGHT: Kwantlen president and vice chancellor John McKendry congratulates grand prize winner Bhavya Sharma. He was the winner of the university's SMARTEN UP campaign, which had more than 10,000 entries. The randomly chosen finalists each tried their turn at starting the car with a key.