My answer is that generally, no, they don't require a lot of time. But that depends on how you define "a lot of time". And with a busy schedule like you're bound to have - juggling college studies, work, parenting, home life, etc. - it may be more than you can afford right now. It also depends on what you want from them; the more you glean from a hive, the more effort you have to put into it. If you just want the pollination services of the honeybees then the effort is very minimal (after getting the hive(s) initially established); if you just want honey, then the effort is still relatively minimal (requiring a "spurt" of effort a couple of times per year); and this can increase proportionally for gathering beeswax, pollen, royal jelly, raising queens, etc. Probably the easiest thing to do is "cut comb" honey for your family - it doesn't require the expensive extracting and bottling equipment but it also requires a little closer hive management in the Spring and Summer (thus, a little more labor/time). Mostly, there is a lot to learn and new beekeepers, in particular, tend to spend a lot of time going into their hives "just to check on them" (generally too much so). So you see, there really is no easy answer to your question. Perhaps you can locate a 'bee club' in your area and offer to let a beekeeper keep a couple of hives on your property for a year or two (to observe and/or participate in their management). That way, you'd get a feel for how they would fit into your schedule.