Hi there, you can bond with 2 budgies, but it is harder than bonding with one and it requires a lot of time working with them regularly. There are other things to consider when getting 2, like what if you end up with a mixed pair? Then you have to be vigilant to prevent unwanted breeding. You say that you'll be away from the birds from at least 7.30-3.30 or later. What if the budgie(s) become unwell? Will you have the time with school etc to take them to an avian vet? Theres a lot to think about and I'm glad you're not jumping into this blindly.