OBJECTIVE
To explore the degree of COVID-19-related stress among college students enrolled in higher level institutions and identify socio-demographic and psychosocial factors that may predict, or be associated with, higher levels of pandemic-related distress.

METHOD
Data were obtained from a cross-sectional survey completed by 321 college students primarily recruited from Universities in Ireland. Ages ranged between 18-21 years ( = 176) and 22-25 years ( = 145). Participants answered some demographic questions before completing scales assessing their experience of childhood adversity, their present resilience and levels of psychological distress, as well as their COVID-19-specific stress.

RESULTS
Multiple regression analysis revealed that students who were female, who had chronic illness, who experienced monetary concerns and who expressed psychological distress experienced greater stress related to COVID-19.

CONCLUSION
Findings suggest that certain categories of college students may be at higher risk for experiencing poor mental health during a global pandemic. Higher level institutions should consider this when designing and delivering support services aiming to promote student mental health and alleviate mental distress.