Coming to UIC and majoring in financial mathematics was a decision that my father had made, when I was a confused high school graduate. At first, if you asked me if this was the right choice, I might hesitate to say yes. But after four years at UIC, I can’t overstate how much I like here! I like studying together with my friends in the study room; I like the professors who are very patient if we have any questions; I like gathering around with my classmates to discuss problems after class; I like studying in the library for a whole day during weekends and walking out the door with full of pleasure and fulfillment; last but not least, even though I always complain about the busy schedule, I still try my best to catch up with the deadlines. Maybe I was a slack person before I came to UIC, but four years at UIC has proven that hard working is the best way you can spend your four years! After four years, you will harvest knowledge, friendship, trust with the professors, and a more determined goal!

Financial mathematics (FM) is one of the most hard-core and busy majors at UIC. Unlike other majors, starting right from the first semester of the freshman year, we have to take not only the general education courses but also some major required courses. Therefore, at the beginning of first year, students of FM will find their learning tasks more demanding and time-consuming when compared to other majors. As the name suggests, the financial mathematics major focuses more on the learning of mathematical knowledge and the construction of some financial models. At the same time, there are also some courses in finance and computer programming, such as investment, C++, data structure, etc. Apart from choosing the quantitative finance direction, there are also many classmates who choose statistics, business analysis or pure finance for their postgraduate studies. The FM program is helping build a solid mathematical background for all students.

I think UIC provides us with a very ideal place for enjoying learning and living, allowing us to freely choose the lifestyle we want. Also, the global vision is what I appreciate and what UIC differs most from other universities. At UIC, you naturally and truly feel that you are a part of the trend of globalization, especially when you are surrounded by teachers and classmates from different countries and regions, or when you are attending the many overseas activities that our school has organized for us.