Objectives: Rapid urbanization has led to a decline in the environmental quality of urban spaces. Among various groups in society, university students play an important role in the country’s future. Therefore, providing desirable environments can significantly improve their quality of life. This study aimed to explain university students’ perceptions of the physical and non-physical factors influencing psychological experience of the environment in Isfahan.

Methodology: This study is applied in terms of its objective and adopts a qualitative research approach. Data were collected through library research and fieldwork. Data were collected through 18 semi-structured interviews with university students in Isfahan and analyzed using coding in MAXQDA software.

Findings: Students’ psychological experiences of the environment are shaped by various factors. Participants emphasized the perceived quality of the environment and the quality of social interactions more than physical characteristics. A sense of security, tranquility, freedom of choice, the perceived quality of the environment, and desirable social interactions were the main factors contributing to positive psychological experiences. Conversely, inappropriate crowding, noise pollution, feelings of insecurity, social tensions, and unclear spatial configurations were associated with negative psychological experiences.

Conclusion: Psychological experience of the environment results from the interaction of physical, perceptual-environmental, and social-environmental factors rather than physical characteristics alone. Therefore, designing environments that consider not only the physical qualities of space but also users’ perceptions and the context for social interactions can enhance positive psychological experiences and provide a basis for human-centered design.