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Objective: To compare risk factors and associated mental health and academic outcomes between international and domestic students., Participants: Canadian university undergraduate students., Methods: Electronic surveys were completed at university entry and the end of first year. Surveys assessed demographics, risk factors, symptoms of mental disorders, and access to support. Academic outcomes were obtained from university databases., Results: International students had comparable or lower rates of clinically significant anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Domestic female students reported the highest screening rates for common mental disorders. However, international students were more likely to report having attempted suicide. International students felt less connected to the university community and had lower academic performance. Psychosocial risk factor profiles and proportions accessing mental health services were similar., Conclusions: The scope of mental health need appears more similar than different between international and domestic students; however, international students may benefit from targeted academic and social support initiatives.

Aim: Transition to university is associated with unique stressors and coincides with the peak period of risk for onset of mental illness. Our objective in this analysis was to estimate the mental health need of students at entry to a major Canadian university., Methods: After a student-led engagement campaign, all first year students were sent a mental health survey, which included validated symptom rating scales for common mental disorders. Rates of self-reported lifetime mental illness, current clinically significant symptoms and treatment stratified by gender are reported. The likelihood of not receiving treatment among those symptomatic and/or with lifetime disorders was estimated., Results: Fifty-eight per cent of all first-year students (n = 3029) completed the baseline survey, of which 28% reported a lifetime mental disorder. Moreover, 30% of students screened positive for anxiety symptoms, 28% for depressive symptoms, and 18% for sleep problems with high rates (≅45%) of associated impairment. Only 8.5% of students indicated currently receiving any form of treatment. Females were more likely to report a lifetime diagnosis, anxiety and depressive symptoms, as well as current treatment. Over 25% of students reported lifetime suicidal thoughts and 6% suicide attempt(s). Current weekly binge drinking (25%) and cannabis use (11%) were common, especially in males., Conclusions: There is limited systematically collected data describing the mental health needs of young people at entry to university. Findings of this study underscore the importance of timely identification of significant mental health problems as part of a proactive system of effective student mental health care., (© 2020 John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.)