The Impact of Relocation on the Mental Health and Well-Being of African International Students: A Case Study at Lovely Professional University, India.

African students in India face unique challenges beyond typical cultural adaptation, including racism, dietary changes, and environmental differences. Existing research on international student stress overlooks their specific experiences. Indian media and academic reports highlight racial prejudice, emphasizing the need for psychological profiling. Limited institutional support, government policies, and mental health services further intensify feelings of isolation among African students. It is well-established that international students face several challenges when they arrive at a foreign institute to pursue higher education. (Biserova & Shagivaleeva, 2019). A mixed-methods research methodology was used to identify the major factors, such as cultural shock, academic stress, social isolation, housing challenges, unfavourable weather, financial difficulties, and language barriers, that affect African students’ psychological and emotional health during their studies at Lovely Professional University through qualitative and quantitative survey data obtained from open-ended and closed-ended questions. The author applied descriptive statistics with thematic analysis to study how relocation difficulties affect students’ mental health outcomes. The research analyzes the effects of relocation on the psychological health and general well-being of African international students studying at Lovely Professional University (LPU) in India. Through descriptive research, the paper explores the distinct challenges African students encounter, such as language barriers, culture shock, financial constraints, housing challenges, and discrimination and racism that have direct effects on their academic success and psychological state. Three main issues surfaced: cultural differences, financial difficulties, and language constraints. Discrimination and acculturative stress have a clear negative impact on students' mental health. According to the study's intricate pattern, institutional measures that include support networks are crucial for mitigating these difficulties. Therefore, more scientific research on these students’ problems is important for universities and policymakers to formulate interventions that promote their mental well-being. The conclusion offers recommendations for improving the well-being of African students.