Published February 24, 2025
“Embracing the Surprises Along the Way” with Umer Ali

Throughout his childhood, Computer Science and Economics double major Umer Ali was captivated by New York City. So much so that when it came time for college he knew exactly where he wanted to go. “New York City is so unique and plays such a huge role in American culture,” says Umer. “Studying in a place like that and being able to call the whole city your campus really fascinated me.” Ultimately, Umer chose NYU because it offered him the best opportunity to explore the city while also pursuing his diverse academic interests. “NYU does it better than any other college in the area,” says Umer. “That’s why I came here.”
Making the Move from Pakistan to NYU
Umer was eager to start his NYU journey, but as an international student from Pakistan, he expected the move to be challenging. “I thought my transition to college would be tough since I was coming from a different culture and a different language,” says Umer. However, his hesitation disappeared when he started meeting his peers.
“The fact that NYU has such a large student population from such varied backgrounds really surprised me,” says Umer. “The welcoming environment and inclusive community were the biggest reasons I was able to adjust to college life so quickly.”
Merging His Interests With a Double Major
Once he adjusted to campus and started taking classes, it was time to select a major. Computer science, economics, and finance all ranked high on Umer’s list, but how would he pick just one? Luckily for Umer, he didn’t have to. NYU’s flexible curriculum allowed him to pursue all of his interests by declaring a double major.
“I think most students come into college feeling like they have to pick one, and only one, area of study,” says Umer. “During my first year at NYU, I initially thought I could only pursue computer science. But after meeting so many people who merged their interests into double majors, I realized just how easy it was to combine and pursue your passions at NYU.”
Adding a second major might look daunting on paper, but in reality, Umer says it’s very manageable. He’s still taking the same number of classes that he would have taken as a single major. The only difference is that he’s now taking more specialized classes instead of free electives or other courses outside of his majors.
“Balancing both majors has not been a big issue for me because of how NYU structures the curriculum,” says Umer. “I’ve been able to pace myself academically and schedule classes in the morning. This leaves me time for my job, sports, and other activities.”

Activities Beyond the Classroom
Outside of class, Umer spends much of his time working as an Admissions Ambassador for the University. It’s a role that, he says, has been “one of the more defining moments of [his] life” at NYU. In this role he connects with prospective students, answers their questions, plans info sessions, and gives tours around campus. Being an Admissions Ambassador has shown Umer just how much impact a brief interaction can have on someone’s life.
Additionally, maintaining an active lifestyle is important to Umer. If he’s not at the Admissions Center, you’ll likely find him playing one of three sports: intramural cricket, intramural football, or competitive volleyball. Although he’s now heavily involved in NYU’s athletic scene, Umer admits he initially dismissed the concept of sports here altogether.
“When I came to NYU, I came in with the assumption that there wouldn’t be many opportunities to play sports,” says Umer. “I remember thinking, ‘Where would all the fields and stadiums be in the city?’ I’m happy to say that I was wrong. Once I learned about the athletics and the extensive range of facilities here, I immediately got involved.”
Reflecting on His NYU Journey
Umer doesn’t graduate for a couple of years, but as he reflects on his time at NYU so far, he says he’s found joy in the unexpectedness of his journey. NYU’s diverse student population? The ability to double-major? Playing sports in a big city? All of these positive surprises have created an unforgettable experience for Umer. And he still has two years left to create more memories.
“It’s been a surreal experience being here at NYU,” he says. “Every single semester has offered a unique challenge that I’ve taken head on. That’s what excites me the most about being a college student here: Not knowing what comes next but embracing the surprises that pop up along the way.”