For most students, college is a time to focus on studies, be independent and discover who they are as people.

But for some, relationship-building also becomes a major part of college life. St. Thomas seniors and newlyweds Ryian and Peter Hilpisch are familiar with this concept, as they tied the knot last August.

“We knew we wanted to get married,” Peter said. “And we figured, if we know this is the life we want, why would we wait another year to start it?”

Married life and college life might not seem to go hand-in-hand, but the Hilpisches, though they have noticed slight changes, do not think their relationship has dramatically altered their college experience.

“Like every other year, I got a new roommate this year. But it’s different too in that it’s my permanent roommate,” Peter said. “It hasn’t changed college as much as I thought it would. It hasn’t changed going to class, doing homework.”

The one element that has changed in the couple’s lives is time spent with friends.

“A lot of our social plans are we instead of me or him,” Ryian said. “There are a couple things that I’ll go out and do with my girlfriends or he’ll go out with the guys, but a lot of what we do is together now, and that’s different from even being engaged last year.”

According to family studies professor Carol Bruess, getting married at such a young age can come with challenges.

“On average, the age of first marriage for people in the United States is 27, 28, 29 years old,” Bruess said. “So those younger couples who are getting married often don’t have people in their network who are their same age who are experiencing the transition of marriage.”

The Hilpisches can attest to this idea.

“It’s a little different relating to friends now because they’re all single, we’re married,” Peter said. “So that’s changed a little bit.”

But Bruess also knows that a successful marriage does not rest on age alone.

“We know there is no one single model for when couples should get married,” Bruess said. “It’s really about the day-to-day work that those couples are willing to put into making their marriage great.”

And while these newlyweds know marriage takes a lot of work, they have something else on their minds – and it isn’t just graduation, either.

“The baby’s due in May. Just when graduation comes,” Ryian said.

They aren’t, however, too worried about becoming parents as graduation nears.

“I think the baby’s coming right on time,” Ryian said. “I know that the Lord called us to do this, to have the baby right when we are.”

While sustaining a healthy marriage at a young age can be challenging, Bruess thinks there are some advantages as well.

“One of the advantages for, for instance, couples who are married and attending college, is you have a built-in support network, so if you’re … applying to graduate school or looking for jobs or taking a really tough class, you have that built-in comfort support network,” Bruess said. “That person who is committed to you and … who can help see you through those challenging times that we all experience as college students.”

The couple agrees.

“I actually did my senior design class last semester, which is like my capstone, which is very frustrating and stressful,” Peter said. “It’s just really nice to have someone who’s very supportive every step of the way.”

He also urges other young couples considering marriage not be fearful.

“Don’t be afraid. Just think it through and your options,” Peter said. “Then pick the one that seems best, and just do your best with what you’re given.”

His wife stresses the importance of communication in a marriage.

“I think communication is key. Having a prayer life is key if you want a holy marriage,” Ryian said. “And keep the kitchen sink clean.”

Theresa Bourke can be reached at bour5445@stthomas.edu.