Coping with Psychological Issues Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic Times: Perspectives of Undergraduates of Non-State Universities

The COVID-19 pandemic caused much upheaval to people's lifestyles worldwide/globally. Even university undergraduates had switch from conventional physical classrooms online learning. According several studies, various issues pertaining learning have intensified the stress levels of undergraduates. This study adopted a qualitative approach. Primary data were gathered through structured interviews, which coping mechanisms used by students identified based on thematic analysis performed NVIVO. Coping played critical role in ensuring these undergraduates' ability handle their psychological and continue academic work. population included non-state Sri Lanka year 2020 sample size was 30. Findings revealed learning, high workload, IT infrastructure as key challenges face during pandemic. Among these, two main themes individual activities group regarding alleviate stress. recommends/highlights importance engaging such that help sustain status. Similarly, emphasized universities higher education institutes facilitating promoting among student population.