It was love at first sight for Nikias and Aline when they first met at Matthias Court and shared a kiss under a starry sky. Since then, they’ve been travelling the world together, moved to France and will celebrate their 13th wedding anniversary this October. Aline shared her and Nikias’ love story, starting on that fairytale night at Matthias Court. 

Tell us about how you met. 

It was love at first sight at a friend’s birthday party at Matthias Court. We came from two different countries and two different backgrounds. English was our common language. We became best friends were inseparable. We had our first kiss on the bridge not far from campus, over the River Irwell. It was cold that night and the sky was full of shining stars. Six months later, he proposed. Some thought it was too soon, but our love was strong. We graduated together, married in 2012, and settled in our first home together in Manchester. 

Tell us about your life together after uni. 

We lived in Manchester and made the most of the Airport. We were both working, but travelling was our shared passion. It brought us even closer. If we weren’t going too far, we were exploring Manchester or other cities in the UK. In 2016, we moved to Marple, just before our daughter was born. We met amazing neighbours and friends who welcomed us with open arms. In 2018, we moved to France to be closer to my husband’s family. It was a tough decision because we’re both very fond of Manchester and the friends we had to leave behind. Now, we live in the South of France, enjoying the sunshine and beautiful landscapes. We’re still travelling, just with a little one now. Still best friends. Still in love. And in October 2025, we’ll be celebrating our 13th wedding anniversary! 

What is your advice for students looking for romance on campus? 

Stop scrolling and look up, there’s a whole world around you on campus. Start real conversations. Listen to people. Ask genuine questions. Forget the mental checklist of your ‘ideal person’ and try showing up with an open heart instead. Be yourself and remember, love might not be waiting in a pub, it could be sitting next to you in class or walking across the park. 

Thank you to Aline for sharing your fairytale love story with Nikias! 

‘How We Met’ celebrates the lifelong connections you made at Salford — whether that’s friendships, romance, or mentors who made a real difference. 

Are you a student? Learn how to make connections and friends at uni on our Made in Salford blog. 

Are you alumni? Share your story via our online form. 

Nikias and Alina at Graduation
Alina and Nikias now with their daughter