This literature review examines the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on university students' mental health, analyzing 32 studies conducted during the pandemic. The findings indicate that university students were at high risk for mental health disorders, including increased stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and suicidal ideation. Female students were more vulnerable to mental health issues, while male students, although coping better, faced higher risks in terms of suicidal ideation. Students with pre-existing mental health conditions or comorbidities experienced worse outcomes. The review highlights a strong positive correlation between fear and stress, anxiety, and insomnia, as well as a negative correlation between physical activity and depressive symptoms. The impact of online learning on mental health was also noted, with a universal trend across multiple countries. The study underscores the need for targeted interventions to support university students' mental health during and after the pandemic.This literature review examines the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on university students' mental health, analyzing 32 studies conducted during the pandemic. The findings indicate that university students were at high risk for mental health disorders, including increased stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and suicidal ideation. Female students were more vulnerable to mental health issues, while male students, although coping better, faced higher risks in terms of suicidal ideation. Students with pre-existing mental health conditions or comorbidities experienced worse outcomes. The review highlights a strong positive correlation between fear and stress, anxiety, and insomnia, as well as a negative correlation between physical activity and depressive symptoms. The impact of online learning on mental health was also noted, with a universal trend across multiple countries. The study underscores the need for targeted interventions to support university students' mental health during and after the pandemic.