From coffees to curries: How LSE alumni found love on campus
Love stories at LSE
Over the past 130 years, thousands of students have arrived at LSE to study, explore, and build connections that stay with them long after graduation. Among the lecture halls, libraries, and late‑night study sessions, many also found something unexpected: love.
Romain Pfau (MSc European Studies 2019) and Laura Pfau (MSc European Studies 2019)
Lunching in Lincoln's Inn Fields
Romain and Laura both arrived at LSE in 2018 to pursue a master’s degree in European Studies, drawn by the School’s international community and the opportunity to learn alongside a truly talented cohort. They first met during weekly assignment group meetings in their first semester, although it wasn’t until six months later that they began dating. Their first date was at the British Museum, just a short walk from campus. Their favourite memories around LSE were spending lunch time in Lincoln's Inn Fields and studying on the top floor of the student union building together. Exploring London and discovering new coffee shops was also a favourite activity of theirs
We are still in contact with a few people graduating with us, and some of them even attended our wedding in 2025! Going to LSE changed both our lives and we just wanted to give you a big thank you for everything.
Michael Kollo (PhD Accounting and Finance 2007) and Ira Kollo (MSc Accounting and Finance 2004)
A mutual passion for food
In 2003, a master’s student’s weekend trip to Bath opened up some last‑minute spots for PhD students. That’s how Michael met Ira for the first time. After the trip, they kept running into each other on campus and began exploring restaurants together, sharing a mutual passion for food as they started dating.
We have many fond memories around campus. I recall there were these student dance parties called Crush. Lots of students, little space. Also, the drink, Snakebite, was the thing to drink.
They got married in 2007, the same year Michael graduated from his PhD and they now live in Australia. They chose LSE because they both recognised its incredible brand value. Ira now has an extremely successful career in banking as a senior executive at National Australia Bank in Australia. Michael went on to work at Blackrock after his PhD and a stint as a visiting scholar at NYU Stern Business School.
All of this we couldn’t have done without the strong brand and support of the LSE.
Jake Fryer (BSc Social Policy and Administration 2017) and Selbi Sasioglu (BSc Social Policy and Administration 2016 and also former LSE staff member)
Social policy speed dating
Jake and Selbi first crossed paths when their social policy teacher put them in the same presentation group, a match they still credit with leading to their marriage. While at LSE, they made the most of their student tickets to the Royal Opera House, a tradition they’ve continued ever since, now with their toddler in tow.
We also often ordered pizza to the library during late-night exam revision sessions… though nothing ever beat a Wright’s Bar sandwich.
