The meteoric rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT has ignited a global discourse on their potential to revolutionize higher education. While these tools offer unprecedented opportunities for teaching and learning, they also raise critical concerns about academic integrity, technology dependency, and reduced human interaction. Although research on AI's educational impact remains in its early stages, the technology's transformative potential is increasingly evident, compelling educators and researchers to develop strategic approaches to its integration. This study aims to bridge existing knowledge gaps by exploring how 54 computer engineering students perceive and engage with AI tools. Through a comprehensive examination, the research investigates the primary motivations for AI tool usage, evaluates perceived benefits and risks, analyzes the potential correlation between AI use and academic performance, and discusses students’ expectations about AI's educational future. By shedding light on student perspectives, the study seeks to identify re-sponsible and ethical AI integration strategies, ultimately contributing to understanding how emerging technologies can enhance, rather than replace, traditional educational processes.