Abstract
Balancing student life requires a commitment to academics while participating in social, athletic, and cultural activities, with parental guidance crucial in emphasizing the importance of academic goals. This balance becomes particularly challenging for married students, who must carefully manage the dual demands of marital responsibilities and academic obligations, necessitating strategic planning and robust support systems. The study focuses on the existing empirical gap by exploring the unique challenges and experiences of married students returning to academia while balancing family obligations. The study utilized a descriptive exploratory design and criterion sampling to investigate the unique experiences of five married college students balancing academic and marital responsibilities. The study employed an in-depth semi-structured interview utilizing a researcher-made questionnaire validated by experts. The study explores married students' challenges and strategies to balance academic and marital responsibilities, emphasizing the importance of time management, positive attitude, and personal attributes. The result highlights how effective communication and mutual support are vital in mitigating relationship struggles and maintaining harmony. The findings call for tailored support systems to promote married students' well-being and academic success, fostering a balanced and enriching experience in their academic and family lives.
