Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic can alter the moods and mental health of university students, making it difficult for them to achieve their goals and purposes. Objective: To describe the moods and mental health of students from a Peruvian university in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: An observational, cross-sectional and descriptive study was carried out in a Peruvian university, during March and May 2020. With the participation of 302 university students, socio-educational data were collected and the Mood Assessment Scale was used, together with the 12-item General Health Questionnaire. The study variables were described and it was considered to evaluate differences. Results: 58.6% of the participants were female. Regarding their marital status, 76.8% were single, while 71.2% were Catholic. 48.3% presented an anxious mood; 33.1%, hostile and 38.5%, depressed. In addition, 50.7% presented poor mental health; 52.6%, general dysphoria and 74.8%, social dysfunction. Conclusions: In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a high prevalence of negative moods and mental health problems. These findings demonstrate the situation of social vulnerability, which influences the health and life projects of university students. It is necessary to promote group actions that contribute to the well-being of the student population.