The course of True Love whilst seldom runs smooth, is paved with difficulties for the lovers in "Student Love"

Act I.
Joseph Bauer a wealthy merchant plans to marry his daughter Lisa to Friedrich - the son of his friend August Scheffel, a lawyer. But Lisa is loved by Hans, a hard-up student, and her father of course disapproves. Lisa has a devoted maid, Grete. who is in love with Fritz, the smith, they help to plan an elopement . The jealous Friedrich who overhears this, arranges to have Hans kidnapped by Lenski, leader of the gypsies. He pays him 500 gulden, and promises another 500 in a month's time, when he hopes to marry Lisa.
Lenski's task is made all to easy, for Lola, a beautiful gypsy dancer, so enrages her lover Rakoff by her interest in Hans, that Lenski suggests they go away and fight it out. Just then Lisa comes upon them, and Hans' explanations are cut short by her father who orders them all off. Appearances are against Hans, and Lisa is left heartbroken by his apparent infidelity.

Act II.
We see Hans a prisoner in the gypsy stronghold. where Lola is using her wiles to attract him. He resists her and can think of nothing but Lisa. Rackoff torn by jealousy nearly kills Hans, but Lenski intervenes and Rackoff is led away.
Fritz is also captured whilst searching for Hans and earns Lenski's gratitude by saving him from the maddened Rackoff. Fritz brings news that Fredrich is planningnto marry Lisa the next day. Hans is distraught and Lenski furiour that Fredrich will cheat him of his 500 gulden.
Some gypsies bring in a traveller they have captured who is Hans' uncle, Herman Oberlander. he knows the Scheffels from his youth, and he and Lenski plan a double revenge. Lenski frees them all, and with the gypsies they go off to the eve-of-wedding reception in Bauers house - as uninvited guests.

Act III.
At the reception the guests are gay and the Scheffels and Herr Bauer are delighted with the approaching marriage. Lisa is in despair and Greta vainly tries to cheer her. Oberlander enters and ia welcomed by Bauer as an old friend. Then Oberlander calls on the gypsy entertainers, among them Hans and Fritz in disguise. Lisa recognise Hans who sing his reproaches in the love theme "If you should doubt". Oberlander denounces Scheffels, who are dismissed by the astounded Bauerr. Fritz is re-united with Greta, and the way ward Lola turns again to her gypsy lover, Rackoff. Herr Bauer anxious to make amends, finally agrees to Lisa marrying her Student Lover.

Characters
(in order of appearance)