(Photo/Qianjiang Evening News)

Zhejiang University of Finance and Economics (ZUFE) recently offered its students the chance to take an optional course, designed to guide students through difficult decisions using economic methods. The course was capped at 40 students, but more than 200 students applied to take it.

University students are constantly faced with choices, both large and small. From choosing between the cafeteria and takeout for lunch, to deciding whether to stay in China or go abroad for a post-graduate degree, the dilemmas are seemingly endless.

Ni Ni, the teacher of the course, told Qianjiang Evening Post that economics could offer a great solution for those moments of indecision, as economic tools can estimate the actual cost and benefit behind a given decision's outcome.

"I believe economic knowledge is able to improve our efficiency when making decisions. I therefore designed this course together with some senior students," Ni explained. Students can introduce their own tough decisions during class, and Ni will apply economic theories to help them arrive at the best solution. The forward-thinking professor also hopes this process will encourage students to apply economic thinking in other scenarios.

In addition to the decision-making course, ZUFE is also offering other classes to help solve students' day-to-day problems. For instance, a course about sports and weight loss can guide students to become healthier and change their bodies through a safe, wholesome approach. Another course related to romance and law offers students insight into different kinds of romantic relations, thereby linking love and law through interviews, video clips and reports.

"We have studied some laws that we seldom encounter in daily life, yet they are closely related to our future," a student commented.