International students face unique challenges that significantly impact their mental health and academic performance. This pilot study explores the stress experiences and coping mechanisms of international students attending universities in the United States. An online survey was conducted; 25 surveys completed by international students from India were analyzed. The findings reveal that academic pressures, cultural differences, and social isolation are dominant stressors, with students frequently resorting to self-prescribed coping strategies such as actively connecting with family and friends and engaging in physical activities or media entertainment. The underutilization of mental health resources and the barriers that hinder the seeking of counseling services were also identified. The knowledge acquired from this pilot study provides a roadmap for further research and points to the urgent need for educational institutions to improve the accessibility and awareness of mental health resources, which should be tailored to meet the unique challenges faced by international students.