The Impact of Key Place Attachment Variables on University Campus Among International Students Case Study: Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)

Document Type : Original Research

Authors
Ezaz Fatemi 1
Gelareh Shahhosseini 1
saman gheidi 2
mohammad reza sartipi isfahani 3
1 Department of Architecture, Faculty of Architecture, Garmsar University, Garmsar, Iran
2 Adjunct Lecturer,, Department of Architecture,, Faculty of Architecture, University of Garmsar, Garmsar, Iran
3 Landscape Architecture Department, Faculty of Architecture, College of Fine Arts, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
10.48311/bsnt.2026.75033.0
Abstract
Aims: “Attachment to the university campus,” referring to the bonds formed between international students and their physical surroundings, plays a significant role in students’ adjustment and adaptation within unfamiliar educational settings. This study investigates university knowledge and planning approaches to identify gaps in campus management that may hinder the development of a strong sense of attachment to Universiti Putra Malaysia among international students.
Methods: A survey using a five-point Likert-scale questionnaire was administered to 336 UPM students, and the data were analyzed using SPSS.
Findings: The findings indicate that campus environments must provide a sense of safety (r = 0.412), feeling at home (r = 0.606), pride (r = 0.532), and happiness (r = 0.582) to enhance the value of the campus as a social setting. University spaces must also meet users’ needs at high standards so that students spend more time on campus, thereby fostering a deeper sense of attachment.
Conclusion: Moreover, tangible physical planning was found to influence international students’ level of campus attachment and their positive lifestyle (M = 4.042, SD = 1.064). A negative correlation was identified between university attachment and the sense of non-belonging (r = –0.294). Place attachment increases when greater attention is given to architectural identity (β = 0.501, ρ > 0.00), proper maintenance (β = 0.146, ρ > 0.00), easy access to university buildings, and the incorporation of international students’ fundamental needs into campus design (β = 0.312, ρ > 0.00), creating a more comfortable environment for them.
Keywords
Place Attachment
Student Challenges
Campus Transition Process
University Campus Planning
Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)
Sustainability
Subjects
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  • Receive Date 12 May 2026
  • Revise Date 23 September 2026
  • Accept Date 29 September 2026