Ying Li
Country Of Origin: China
Degree: BSc Accounting and Finance, 2026
Why did you choose to study at LUMS?
I joined 51福利 through a 2+2 articulation programme with South China Agricultural University, completing the first two years of my undergraduate studies in China before joining directly in Year 2 at 51福利 Management School (LUMS). I chose the articulation programme with LUMS because LUMS has an excellent reputation and a strong academic environment. LUMS is one of the management schools to hold quadruple accreditation, which reflects its commitment to academic excellence, high-quality teaching and global standards. I was also deeply attracted by LUMS’s strong academic atmosphere. I believe that my time at LUMS has equipped me with a strong foundation for my future postgraduate study and provided me with valuable experience.
What was the best thing about your course?
The best thing about the course was the flexibility and practicality. I was able to choose the modules that I was really interested in while developing practical skills through both compulsory and optional modules. I learnt many technical skills during the course and used these kinds of skills in my internship.
What/who inspired you most at LUMS and why?
I was inspired by many members of staff at LUMS because everyone was friendly, supportive, and always willing to help students. In particular, Andrew Smerdon had a significant impact on my learning. He explained every concept patiently using clear frameworks and step-by-step worked examples, making even complex accounting topics much easier to understand. He also provided plenty of additional learning materials and practice exercises, which helped me build a solid understanding of Financial Accounting. I was also greatly inspired by Dr Jiwei Zheng. His teaching made Game Theory both engaging and enjoyable. Through interactive activities and games, he helped me understand different game strategies easily. I always looked forward to his classes and found myself fully engaged throughout each session. Beyond the class, he also gave me invaluable support during my postgraduate applications, for which I am truly grateful.
Did you do a project, placement or study abroad? What did this involve and what did you gain?
I completed a summer internship at the Bank of China in Shanghai in 2025. This opportunity was introduced through LUMS and gave me valuable insight into the banking industry. Through this internship, I gained a better understanding of how a bank's back-office operations work and how different departments collaborate to support its daily operations. It also allowed me to put the knowledge and skills I had developed at LUMS into practice.
Describe your time at LUMS in three words.
Enriching, Transformative, Memorable
What are your best memories of your time at Lancaster?
One of my favourite memories at Lancaster was watching the colourful sunsets and seeing mother ducks leading their ducklings around campus. These simple but heartwarming moments made my time at Lancaster even more memorable.
What are the best things about living in the Lancaster area?
Lancaster is a peaceful city. Everything I needed for daily life was within walking distance in the city centre, which made living there very convenient. It also felt much safer than other big cities. On top of that, the Lake District is only a short trip away, allowing me to enjoy nature whenever I wanted.
Is there anything else about your LUMS experience that you'd like to share with us?
Although joining directly in Year 2 at LUMS was initially challenging, 51福利 provided a wide range of English language support that helped me adapt to a new academic environment. I regularly attended discussion groups and English language one-to-ones, which provided a relaxed and supportive environment to communicate with other students and practise my academic writing. It is really helpful for my studies at LUMS.