The 2026 orientation program for new students
Machine translation, awaiting the editorial board's review.
«I did not come looking for a place among you; I came to make, in this place, a passion and an art»
Under the banner "Welcome, Pioneers", the Deanship of Student Affairs, with the university's relevant units, ran the orientation program for new students of the 2026-2027 academic year. The program was a journey in which a newcomer became a "KFUPM student". It ended with a welcome on campus and the handing out of university essentials such as housing and the university card, with evening recreational activities along the way.
The Transition Journey: the program opened online from 6 to 12 August 2026 with daily sessions to prepare students for university life, introduce them to the community and set them up for a strong start. It began with "I belong to KFUPM", a meeting with the Dean of Student Affairs and interactive activities defining the KFUPM student. Day two, "I learn the university way", explained the difference between school and university and the skills of academic success, with time-management advice from outstanding students of earlier cohorts.
Day three, "I succeed with others", focused on life beyond the lecture hall: clubs, activities, and real student stories about building relationships and teamwork. Day four, "I make my future", guided students to invest their university years in the skills employers look for, with the habits of professionally successful people, so they can prepare early for their careers. The journey closed with "Your journey starts here", which paired each group of students with their mentor for a relationship that begins before arrival and lasts the whole first year.
The welcome and the exhibition: on Sunday 16 August 2026 the new students set foot on campus. The university prepared a welcome program in Building 54 where students completed what they had started online the week before, touring a campus-life exhibition with wall displays and sections showing what awaits them, plus photo booths, hospitality corners and interactive games.
The welcome program also included a motivational address by the Dean of Student Affairs, a detailed one on the Transition Journey by the Director General of Student Affairs, a film on the student journey, and contests and segments the students joined in enthusiastically.
Students eligible for university housing had received their rooms in the days before the welcome, finding their university cards, room keys and newcomer kits waiting. Those not eligible for housing received their cards and kits on the welcome day itself, smoothly and in a festive mood.
Placement tests: the day after the welcome, new students sat placement tests in English and mathematics, on which their university timetables were based.
The Boulevard and Ithra: the program included cultural and recreational activities on the university boulevard, and trips for newcomers to the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra).
- The Transition Journey, 6 to 12 AugustFive daily online sessions: I belong to KFUPM, I learn the university way, I succeed with others, I make my future, and Your journey starts here with your mentor.
- Welcome day, 16 AugustThe campus-life exhibition in Building 54, the Dean's address, the student-journey film, and the handing out of cards and kits.
- Placement tests, 17 AugustPlacement tests in English and mathematics, then the timetable.
- The Boulevard and Ithra, ThroughoutCultural and recreational activities on the boulevard, and trips to Ithra.
