With Valentine’s Day past and heart-shaped chocolates leaving store shelves, love does not fade with the season. In fact, it is evident in some individuals’ everyday routines. Newlyweds on campus depict that marriage and college life do not exist in separate worlds; rather, they reveal the beauty of what they look like side by side. Balancing schoolwork with commitment, tests with new responsibilities, and social life with married life brings unique challenges to the college experience as well as new rewards. This article explores what it truly looks like to say “I do” while pursuing a degree through the story of Noah and Lauren Williams, who were married on December 13, 2025, and how they navigated this new phase of building both a career path and a marriage at the same time.
Now that the wedding is over and real life has begun, Mr. and Mrs. Williams described some of the realities married life requires of them, such as looking for an apartment and getting a job, all while continuing their education. Mr. Williams emphasized that marriage is all about sacrifice. He revealed the sacrificial heart marriage requires. “We had a talk about who is gonna get the job and who is gonna sacrifice for the couple, and that was me because Lauren is gonna be a nurse,” he explained.
Mr. Williams described the effect marriage had on his school life. Now that he is married, the pull to skip classes has been stronger. Mrs. Williams added that “lying next to your wife or husband is a lot better than waking up at 8 a.m. and going to class.” The Williams laughed before admitting that, in some ways, newlywed life has made school more challenging than they expected.
Furthermore, when asked how they balanced their work and school responsibilities while still making time for each other, Mr. Williams explained that they had special days set aside for one another. For example, Cane’s Wednesdays, Mondays at her family’s, Sundays at his family’s, and Tuesdays as date nights.
The newlyweds also commented on the social life changes that came with married life. Mr. Williams pointed out that one of the biggest differences was no longer rooming in Snowbarger with his best friend, Matt. He reflected on their time together, saying, “Two years of being a roommate, so it was definitely a transition.” Mr. Williams explained that even though he is married, he tries to be intentional about making time to hang out with friends, whether that is playing a game of basketball or just spending a couple of hours together. Though it is a different type of hangout than what they are used to, it is still intentional time with friends.
Mr. and Mrs. Williams gave insight into why they felt now was the time to get married, even though they are still in school. Mrs. Williams passionately stated that many wait until they are financially stable to tie the knot. However, through discussion, they concluded that waiting for financial stability was not for them. She added that within six months of their relationship, they knew they wanted to spend the rest of their lives together, so why wait?
Lastly, the couple gave advice to other students who are thinking about tying the knot. Mrs. Williams eagerly answered, “If you’re sure, 100% invested, and you feel like it’s from God, then there’s no point in waiting for you to be financially stable. Because no matter what trials you face, if you truly have enough trust in that person and truly love them, you will face it together and come out stronger on the other side.”
Photo Credits: Noah and Lauren Williams