This study aimed to explore the thoughts of university students on coaching by analyzing reflections written by 72 students who took coaching courses and had coaching experiences at least once during the second semester of 2022 and the first semester of 2023. Using inductive content analysis to extract key terms from the students’ reflections on coaching, the study classified common meanings into three major domains. The first domain, ‘Cognitive Expansion,’ included subdomains such as self-exploration, perspective shifting, and increased empathy. The second domain, ‘Positive Emotions,’ encompassed psychological stability, increased self-esteem, discovery of strengths, and heightened positivity. The third domain, ‘Practical Goal-Setting Behavior,’ comprised goal-setting, problem-solving, and motivation. Significantly, this research underscored the diverse perceptions of coaching among university students who had experienced coaching. The findings contribute to discussions on factors necessary for the ongoing growth and dissemination of university student coaching in higher education.