International students often face unique challenges when adjusting to life in a new country, particularly in relation to food access and eating habits. Food insecurity—defined as limited or uncertain access to sufficient, affordable, and culturally appropriate food—can impact both physical nutrition and psychological well-being. While food insecurity among university students has gained attention in recent years, there is limited research focusing on the emotional and behavioural consequences experienced by international students specifically. This study explores how food insecurity influences dietary adaptation and emotional coping among international students navigating new academic and cultural environments. Using a qualitative, cross-sectional design, this research involves semi-structured interviews with 12-20 international students currently studying in the UK, USA, or Australia, all of whom have lived in the host country for at least one academic term. Participants are recruited through personal academic networks via convenience sampling. Thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006) will be used to analyse the data and identify recurring themes in participants' experiences. Although data collection is ongoing, anticipated findings include emotional responses such as stress, guilt, or anxiety, changes in eating patterns including meal skipping and increased reliance on low-cost processed foods, and coping mechanisms such as budgeting strategies or seeking support through peer networks. The study aims to provide insight into how food insecurity affects international students' adaptation and psychological well-being. The findings may inform university support services and contribute to the development of culturally sensitive interventions to improve food security and student welfare. This research also aligns with broader goals of promoting health equity, supporting international student integration, and addressing basic needs as part of inclusive education policy.