The 7 Habits of KFUPM Students
KFUPM students are the driving force behind a vibrant community dedicated to excellence, discovery, and impactful innovation. They are not just learners, together, they form a community of innovators and change makers.
Similar to Stephen Covey’s well-known 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, a model built on principles of integrity and purpose, KFUPM students are guided by values that extend beyond academic performance. Their education emphasizes critical thinking, collaboration, and real-world application.
It is, therefore, no surprise that many of them see their time at the university as pursuing a calling rather than merely a degree.
While Covey’s habits focused on character development in the professional world, the following 7 habits reflect the distinctive qualities that are part of the student experience at KFUPM.
Maintain High Aspirations
KFUPM students aim high and think long term. Many are drawn to initiatives like the Young Leaders Advisory Board (YLAB), where they directly influence the university environment through policy suggestions and creative solutions. Not satisfied with simply meeting college requirements, these students focus on value-added contributions that support real progress.
Cultivate Self-Reliance
Throughout their time at KFUPM, students learn to navigate complexity with growing independence. Whether leading exhibitions or organizing academic conferences, they take ownership of their work. One standout initiative is the Global Students Research Conference (GSR), the world’s largest student-led international research event. With attendees from over 50 countries, it reflects our students’ mentality of taking initiative and persevering.
Engage Globally
Whether through study abroad programs, international internships, or student-led delegations, KFUPM students are not afraid to step outside their comfort zones. Visits, such as the 2025 delegation to Beijing, or initiatives like our KFUPM Explorers Program, connect them with peers, as well as public and private institutions abroad. These experiences help develop a mindset that embraces diversity, autonomy, and real-time problem-solving.
Work Across Disciplines
Interdisciplinary research is the basis of KFUPM's approach towards innovation. Events such as our TEAM Design Expo prepare students to adopt a multidisciplinary approach when addressing complex challenges. Originally a course, it has grown into a full-scale exhibition where students from different departments solve pressing problems through technology, design, and sustainability efforts.
Start Research Early
By fueling their curiosity, we encourage students to conduct research throughout their entire undergraduate education. Programs like the International Summer Research initiative, where they work alongside mentors in advanced labs, help them take their projects from idea to implementation. For these students, research translates into agency in making an impactful contribution to their fields.
Explore Entrepreneurial Thinking
Entrepreneurship is built into the KFUPM university life. Students interested in starting ventures receive guidance from faculty mentors, access to prototyping tools, and help with navigating the patent process. They have gone on to win international business competitions, such as the Startup World Cup in Italy, and inaugurate scalable initiatives. This trendsetter mindset is supported by additional credentials, such as a postgraduate diploma in one of our seven business studies tracks or an undergraduate concentration in business analytics.
Participate in Philanthropic Avenues
KFUPM’s Voluntary Work Unit offers opportunities to engage with communities through organized service projects. These are structured efforts that develop both leadership and empathy. In the GIVATHON competition, for example, students design feasible solutions to real-world nonprofit challenges. As such, they reinforce the value of applying knowledge for collective benefit, building greater confidence in their ability to lead change.
