Find the Right Student Accommodation for Your Third Year
After two years at university, you may find your priorities regarding where you live have changed. With your impending dissertation, final grades in sight, and future career steps on the horizon, it’s important to find third year student accommodation that will match your new needs and help you achieve your undergraduate degree. But it’s more than just a roof over your head.
Where you decide to live as a third year student can have a massive impact – so, consider choosing a student accommodation that will support your lifestyle and has desirable amenities and key features.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best student accommodation options for third year students, including what to consider, and how Mansion Student can help.
What third year student accommodation options are available?
As you head further into your second year at university, you should consider where you want to live for your final year. If you are only planning on undergoing an undergraduate degree, this will be the final place you will live as a student. So, booking (or rebooking) third year student accommodation should be made as early as possible – typically between November and February.
University Halls
Halls of residence are mostly associated with first year students; however, it’s often possible for returning students (such as final undergraduates) to carry on living in university halls. This may depend on the university and whether any rooms are available, as first year students will take precedence.
Many third-year students find the experience a bit repetitive or too noisy for their current needs, especially if they are living in flats with first or second years.
Shared Houses
Renting a house with friends or course mates is another popular option, as it can offer a more social atmosphere and may work out cheaper every week. While the idea of living in a house together can be exciting, it comes with shared responsibilities like bills, cleaning, and dealing with landlords. Without proper management, it can add stress during a year when your academic demands are at their highest.
Private accommodation
Private student halls are a good idea for third year students looking for a middle ground between university halls and shared housing. These purpose-built properties balance independence, comfort, structure and socialising perfectly and help enhance a student's quality of life during one of the most stressful educational periods.
Our Nottingham student accommodation – Mansion Place
Private student accommodation is a great space for third year students looking to focus on their studies whilst also having the freedom to socialise and make the most of their remaining time in the city - as these properties are often conveniently located in city centres.
You can choose to share with friends or opt for a self-contained studio; these properties are usually located a short distance from campus. For instance, Mansion Place in Nottingham provides flexible accommodation right in the heart of the city, between the campuses of the two major universities.
Comparing the different accommodation options for third years
Though you may have a clear understanding of where you want to live and which property type, it’s important to compare the third year student accommodation options available regarding your new priorities:
What to consider when choosing final year accommodation
As a third-year student, studying for your final exams will likely be a priority over partying. You’ll want to be well-placed to university resources, such as the library and other facilities, and your student accommodation should provide a quiet study space. Ask yourself:
· Do I need a quiet space to study or write my dissertation?
· How important is proximity to uni or city amenities?
· Would I prefer an all-inclusive setup with no surprise bills?
· Am I looking to live with friends, or do I want to meet new people?
Additional factors to bear in mind when looking for third year student accommodation include:
Who to live with
Who you choose to live with throughout university is important in every year of your studies but is perhaps the most important in your third year. You may find living with like-minded students who have the same priorities as you is beneficial.
Alternatively, you may decide to rent alone so you have more personal space to concentrate and unwind. For that reason, studios and apartments are often a better option than shared student houses rented from private landlords.
Read our guide comparing the benefits of living alone vs shared accommodation for more information.
You should also bear in mind that in a student house, there will typically be a shared bathroom for the whole house. With purpose-built student accommodation, you can have an ensuite room or a self-contained studio apartment to yourself.
At our Coventry student accommodation, Singer Hall, there are one-bedroom apartments available - perfect for third year students looking for a more relaxed and quiet place to study and unwind. Singer Hall offers a sense of community, including communal games and social areas, as well as study and breakout spaces for revision sessions with other tenants.
Arrange a viewing at Singer Hall - our Coventry student accommodation.
Where to live
You may want to live somewhere slightly quieter and closer to the university resources. Good public transport links may also be important to get to a part-time job, do fieldwork for your dissertation, or just branch out to see new parts of the city.
Our Woodhouse Flats in Leeds , for example, are in a handy location for the universities but in a slightly quieter spot, making them a great choice for third year students.
Woodhouse Flats – St. Marks Street
Features:
· Electronic fob entry
· Washing machine and dryer
· All bills included
· Disabled access
· On-site maintenance
· Hospitality office
· CCTV
Premium ensuites available
Space
As you’re (hopefully) spending more time studying in your third year, extra space for revision resources and personal belongings can be helpful. You’re much more likely to find this in purpose-built student accommodation than in a shared house or university residence halls.
Purpose-built student accommodations are designed with the changing needs of students in mind and will provide dedicated areas for quiet study. They also contain more features than you’ll find in the average shared house.
At our Ernest Place accommodation in Durham, for example, there is a cinema room, gym, roof terrace, on-site maintenance and much more.
Why choose private student accommodation in your final year?
Private accommodation offers the kind of quiet and independence many third years crave. Whether you’re powering through research papers or just trying to get some quality rest between job applications, having a calm, secure base makes all the difference. Other benefits include:
· Peace and Quiet – Ideal for studying or working on your dissertation.
· Modern Facilities – Ensuite rooms, fast Wi-Fi, on-site gyms, and laundry.
· Flexible Tenancy Agreements – Choose dates that suit your academic calendar.
· Supportive Community – Live alongside mature, like-minded students.
Additionally, you’ll benefit from features that shared housing doesn’t always offer: dedicated on-site maintenance, 24/7 security, all-inclusive billing, and proximity to both university campuses and city hotspots. For students balancing work placements, dissertation deadlines, and social commitments, this convenience can take away much of the everyday stress.
"This is my third year staying in Ernest Place and I have really enjoyed my stay here. The staff are very friendly and helpful. The social palces are also amazing and very clean. I will definitely recommend Earnest Place to anyone looking for an accommodation!"
Resident, Earnest Place, Durham
How Mansion Student can help
Mansion Student properties have been designed with the needs of today’s students in mind in some of the UK’s most popular student cities:
· Student Accommodation Leeds:
· Student Accommodation Nottingham
· Student Accommodation Durham
· Student Accommodation Dundee
· Student Accommodation Coventry
Fitted with attention to detail, our student accommodations provide a range of luxury benefits and amenities, placing your welfare at the heart of everything we do. We have dedicated hospitality teams at all our properties for any questions or concerns you may have during your tenancy.
If you are interested in staying at any of our student accommodations, arrange a viewing here to ensure you are completely happy with the property before booking.
Contact Mansion Student today for more information about booking accommodation, or call us at 0800 652 7844.
Frequently asked questions
Can I book with friends?
Absolutely. Many third-year students choose to book in groups. Just let us know your preferences, and we’ll do our best to place you together.
Do I need a guarantor?
Yes, like most UK student accommodation, we do require a guarantor. If this is a challenge, speak with our team about alternative options.
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