The present study aimed to examine the conceptualisation and determinants of happiness among Indian college students and identify areas in which they require help. The sample consisted of 362 students in the age group of 18 to 30 years (M age = 20.9, SD age = 2.25) from two locations in North and South India. Online forms, including the Satisfaction with Life Scale (Diener et al., 1985), Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (Watson et al. in J Pers Soc Psychol 54:1063–1070, 1998) and a qualitative survey, were used to collect the data. Results indicated that participants from institutions that offered mental health initiatives reported higher well-being than those who did not. Findings from the qualitative survey suggest that most participants conceptualised happiness in terms of need for satisfaction and well-being. The responses also indicated that leisure activities and time spent with the family determined the participants’ happiness. Concerns related to interpersonal relationships made the participants unhappy, and most of them were willing to seek help in this regard. Factors beyond immediate self and interpersonal networks had a limited role in participants’ perceived happiness and unhappiness. Study findings could guide the development of customised mental health and well-being promotion initiatives to meet the needs of Indian college students.