International students are considered a high-risk group for mental health and well-being challenges due to various psychosocial stressors they face. This study investigates the influence of social identities on the psychological well-being of international students. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 11 international students and three university support staff members at a university in Southern England. Using reflexive thematic analysis (RTA), we analysed the data and discussed the findings in relation to the Social Identity Model of Identity Change (SIMIC). Two key themes emerged: (a) Alienation in the UK, which complicated students’ adjustment and negatively impacted their psychological well-being, and at times, worsened mental health issues; and (b) Shared Experiences as a Foundation for Friendships and Service Utilisation, which facilitated the formation of friendships, helped students recognise their unique identity-based strengths, and encouraged engagement with university support services. These findings provide important insights for developing interventions specifically tailored to international students, highlighting their background-specific experiences.