This study was to investigate the impacts on the life of residents of São João del-Rei, and on the city, arising from membership of the University on the Program of Support for the Restructuring and Expansion of Brazilian Federal Universities (REUNI). The focus was on the person-environment relationship. The theoretical environmental psychology and the bioecological model of human development. The qualitative method was used to conduct semi-structured interviews with ten residents of the city. The residents reported positive changes, such as more opportunities to work and to study; and cultural activities offered by the university. As negative changes: the increase in economical issues; traffic and housing difficulties. It is considered that these changes have affected the relationship of them and their city. For a better understanding of the phenomenon we suggest a research with students, staff and university professors, as well as in other areas of study.
environmental psychology; expansion of Federal Universities; city
