The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the mental health of

college students. Such factors as campus closures, remote learning, fear of infection,
and uncertainty about academic and professional careers have led to problems ranging
from psychological distress to clinically diagnosable psychiatric illnesses. The article
focuses on three main sections: COVID-19's effects on college students' academic
performance; psychological well-being of learners and strategic actions that higher
education institutions in countries with low or middle incomes need to implement.

The scoping review framework by Arksey and O'Malley, which consists of

several stages, was used to conduct the review. Then PubMed, PsychINFO, Scopus
and Google Scholar were examined. We also manually searched databases that had
literature related to COVID-19. In total, 36 records published in English were
carefully selected for analysis.

One of the major reasons of negative academic influence on college students

was the sudden shift to online learning, especially difficult in countries with limited
technological provision and technical know-how. According to participants in a
global survey, the pandemic made pre-existing mental health issues worse. It showed
that a quarter of students were taking psychiatric medication, and a third of students
reported having mental health condition diagnoses. Anxiety was exacerbated by
delayed admittance to higher education and disrupted research projects and
internships. Students were likewise affected by health issues, worries about
contracting the virus, and financial difficulties. A greater dependency on video games,
emotional eating, and excessive social media usage appeared after they adjusted to the
"lockdown routine".

The epidemic caused frustration, anxiety, and homesickness among young

people who were overseas. Students suffered from intense stress, disrupted sleeping
patterns, struggles with concentration, heightened concerns about academic
performance, risks of suicide and substance abuse. Furthermore, a survey illustrated
that a big amount of the students experienced social isolation and money insecurity.

The next part of the paper discovers sustainable coping methods for students in
order to maintain mental health resilience particularly in low- and middle-income
countries, like India. Due to this such instruments as toll-free helplines for behavioral
health and suicide prevention, psycho-social support initiatives, and online counseling
services have been created. Universities have established support groups, online
sessions, and peer support to meet students' mental health requirements.

Institutions for learning have found that switching to remote learning has been
an essential reaction in order to preserve their students' academic schedules and
psychological health. Online learning, while beneficial, has made students more
susceptible to physical illnesses and severe stress. Noted complaints encompass health
problems associated with screens, decreased motivation, and a lack of engagement.
Programs at colleges that promote mental health are crucial for students' general
wellness, which boosts their educational success and enables them to make personal
and social adjustments.

The following paragraphs display recommendations for addressing the current

pandemic situation, plans for the reopening of colleges after lockdown, and crisis
communication techniques customized for students during the COVID-19 times.

The article outlines the critical role of mental health services in in low- and
middle-income countries to mitigate the harmful effects of the pandemic on college
students, the need for tailored coping strategies, awareness campaigns, and the
provision of primary mental health services within academic institutions, while
underscoring the urgency of combating mental health stigma.