This study compared first-year university students' learning and study strategy (LSS) orientations before COVID-19 and during COVID-19. We analysed data from 1 632 eligible frrst-year university students who completed the Learning and Study Strategies Inventory (LASSI). Mean and proportion comparison data indicated a significant decrease in students' LSS orientations during the COVID-19 period compared to pre-COVID-19. During the pandemic, 45.29% of the students were in the at-risk range compared to 31.62% pre-pandemic, representing a 13.67% increase. The data indicate that students' at-risk LSS scores increased in terms of higher anxiety levels, reduced learning attitude disruption, lower motivation, less self-testing and information processing, lower use of academic resources, emotional distress, and disruption of familiar routines during the COVID-19 pandemic. Student development services should provide targeted support interventions addressing these LSS risks to students.