College Adaption Experiences of Married Female Undergraduate Students: An Exploratory Study

Abstract

In this article, I explore the lifespan roles among female undergraduate students. The study was conducted at an institution of higher education in Southern Africa. Six participants were purposively selected for the study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with each participant. Data were analysed using thematic content analysis. The study revealed that married undergraduate female students adapted to multiple roles with varying degrees of success. Major challenges were in balancing home and college life. The students reported using time management skills to cope with the competing roles.

Keywords:

• Experiences
• married female graduate students
• competing roles
• stress
• coping
• Southern Africa