Climate-induced migration is increasingly affecting communities, disrupting livelihoods, and intensifying socio-economic inequalities, particularly in disaster-prone regions. Despite the prevalence of recurring flood hazards, there remains limited research on the multi-dimensional impacts of migration particularly in socio-culturally sensitive and resource-constrained settings like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Pakistan. This study seeks to bridge this gap by exploring the post-migration challenges of flood-affected communities in District Nowshera. Using a qualitative methodology, we conducted in-depth interviews with 25 diverse key informants. The study results revealed profound socioeconomic instability, inadequate access to essential services, and cultural disruptions. Key findings include significant challenges such as inadequate housing, the loss of traditional livelihoods, persistent financial hardships, health issues, and the breakdown of social support networks. Moreover, displaced families face marginalization and language barriers, which hinder integration into host communities, amplifying feelings of isolation and identity loss. Environmental degradation in resettlement areas further intensifies these challenges, prolonging poor living conditions and heightened vulnerability. To address these issues, the study recommends community-based interventions such as developing resilient, culturally appropriate housing, implementing targeted skills training programs to restore livelihoods, promoting climate-smart agricultural practices, and enacting inclusive social policies to promote integration and cohesion to address climate-induced migration in disaster-prone regions.

International students in China frequently encounter academic and acculturative challenges that adversely affect their psychological wellbeing. However, limited research has integrated quantitative and qualitative evidence to comprehensively examine the determinants of stress, anxiety, and depression among this population. This study investigated the effects of academic and acculturative stressors on the mental health of international students and explored their coping experiences and perceptions of institutional support. An explanatory sequential mixed-methods technique was employed. Quantitative data were collected from 500 international students enrolled at four universities in Changsha, China, followed by semi structured interviews with 10 participants. Confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated satisfactory construct validity (CFI = 0.93, TLI = 0.92, RMSEA = 0.052, SRMR = 0.047). Hierarchical regression and thematic analysis were used to analyze the quantitative and qualitative data, respectively. Academic workload emerged as the strongest predictor of psychological distress, significantly predicting stress (β = 0.37, p < 0.001), anxiety (β = 0.34, p = 0.001), and depression (β = 0.31, p = 0.003). Language barriers and social isolation were also significantly associated with poorer mental health outcomes. Qualitative findings further revealed that research and publication pressures, cultural adjustment difficulties, and inadequate institutional support intensified students’ psychological distress, whereas academic mentoring and peer support enhanced coping and resilience. Strengthening culturally responsive counseling, language support, academic mentoring, and social integration programs can substantially improve international students’ mental wellbeing and academic success. These findings provide practical evidence for developing inclusive university support policies in China.