<![CDATA[The transition period of new students to higher education demands comprehensive soft skill readiness, particularly in self-regulation, social relations, and academic integrity. This study aims to analyze the soft skill readiness data of new students at UIN Sunan Kalijaga through the philosophical perspective of Riyāḍah al-Nafs (soul training) by Al-Ghazali. The research employs a qualitative approach with a case study design. Data were collected through a soft skill readiness instrument during the Campus Socialization and Introduction (Sospem) activity in 2026, covering seven dimensions: adaptation, goal setting, time management, resilience, communication, empathy, and academic integrity. Data analysis was conducted through reduction, presentation, and conclusion-drawing techniques with a philosophical hermeneutics approach. The findings indicate that (1) most new students experience significant challenges in self-regulation, especially in time management and public speaking confidence; (2) modern psychological approaches tend to focus on external managerial techniques without touching the spiritual dimension; (3) Al-Ghazali's concept of Riyāḍah al-Nafs offers a more holistic philosophical foundation, where self-regulation is understood as a gradual process of soul purification through three stages: takhliyah (cleansing from negative traits), tahliyah (adorning with positive traits), and tajalliyah (spiritual illumination) to achieve balance (tawazun) between academic and spiritual demands. This study contributes to the development of an Islamic education paradigm that integrates spiritual-philosophical dimensions with contemporary soft skill needs. Keywords: Al-Ghazali, New Students, Riyāḍah Al-Nafs, Self-Regulation, Soft Skills]]>
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