This study discusses about students’ strategy in improving their learning motivation at English Language Education Department of a private university in Yogyakarta. The research question of this research is what are the strategies applied by English Language Education Department (ELED) students in improving their learning motivation at UMY? This study used a qualitative approach and used interview techniques to obtain data. The participants of this study were three ELED students of a private university as interviewee. They were selected through purposive sampling. Besides, this study produced various findings; that parents, friends, and lecturers are important figures in student learning. Frequently speaking and communicating well makes students enthusiastic and work harder in learning. The researcher also found other things about what students do to be able to do assignments on time and that makes them enthusiastic discussing in the class. Moreover, the researcher found that by setting the time, when to play and when to study, remembering the lesson schedule and getting up early have a positive impact on students’ enthusiasm in doing class activities. Interesting themes for the discussion also make students excited and adds a lot of knowledge for students in the future. In conclusion, for students to have strategies in increasing motivation to learn English as ELED students in a private university, they need important figures such as parents, friends, and lecturers.