Abstract
The foremost initiative of this investigation was to scrutinize the psychological influence of COVID-19 pandemic and the coping strategies of Arsi university students. Descriptive survey method was applied to investigate the intended variables. Data for this study was collected via an internet of 420 students (245 females and 175 males) from those whose email addresses were randomly accessed. Data was collect through questionnaires. Mean, standard deviation and t-test were used to analysis the collected data. The findings revealed that the psychological impacts of covid-19 on both male and female students were high. The results also showed that there was statistically significant difference between males and females in terms of every mean item. Therefore, it is recommended to engage actively in different activities, and relying on reliable sources of information, taking rests and the like are some of the mentioned coping strategies of the students. Finally, besides the transmitting of educational programs through TV, motivational speech, mass consultation/education through mass media like radio and television to reach those students who were dispersed to different parts of the country incorporates additional dimension of combating the psychological pressure of COVID-19.