What’s your third place?
The importance of having spaces outside of home and work where people can come together, relax and feel a sense of belonging has become increasingly clear.
These are called “third places” and they have an important role in supporting mental health by offering opportunities to unwind, connect with others, and find a sense of belonging (Lee & Houston, 2024). When students feel supported by their peers and have a place to be themselves, it helps them do better in school and in life (Ma, 2003).
What is a “third place?”
The term “third place” was introduced by sociologist Ray Oldenburg (1989) to describe a place where people can hang out and socialize, separate from home (the “first place”) and work or school (the “second place”). A third place is somewhere you can relax, have fun, and talk with others, without the pressure of school, work, or family responsibilities.
A third place can be physical spaces, like the park, community centre, faith centre, or library. They can also be places within schools where you can unwind and build relationships. Extracurricular activities like clubs, groups, and teams can help you meet other people with similar interests and identities, and form friendships while doing something you enjoy. A third place is somewhere you feel supported and accepted.
Your third places are unique to you.
Your idea of a ‘third place’ is unique to you. For example, one person might use the local library as a quiet place for doing homework, studying, and meeting with their tutor, and not consider it a third place. But for someone else, the library could be a place for hanging out with friends, joining book clubs, or enjoying art events. To them, the library feels like a third place (Aabø & Audunson, 2012).
For some people, third places are linked to their faith or culture, for example a youth group, Friendship Centre, or language program. These are places where you can share traditions, values, or spiritual practices and feel a sense of community. A third place isn’t about the space itself—it’s about how it makes you feel. It’s where you feel safe, comfortable and connected.
Your third places might also shift and evolve as you do. You may find different spaces that support different parts of your life and who you are.
Why are third places important for mental health?
As a student and young person, you face a lot of responsibilities and challenges, like schoolwork, part-time jobs, volunteering, family expectations, and exploring who you are. With so much happening, it’s important to find moments and places where you can recharge and focus on what makes you feel your best.
Third places can be places for relationships and connection, which can help you de-stress, clear your mind, relax, socialize, and feel a sense of belonging (Lee & Houston, 2024). In these places, you can feel most at ease with who you are. You don’t have to worry about grades, homework, or family responsibilities, giving yourself time to breathe and recharge which is important for your mental health. Spending time in these third places can help you make friends and build supportive connections that help you feel better overall.
Third places can also help you feel good about who you are. They might give you a chance to connect with people who share your culture, language, religion, gender, sexuality, race, passions, or other important parts of who you are. Or they can help introduce you to people with different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, helping you expand your circle and gain new insights.
Your third place
What are your go-to third places?
Third places are more than just places to hang out—they are important spaces for you to feel connected, relaxed, and supported. That’s why it’s worth exploring ways to get involved in your school or in your community, whether it’s finding groups and places, or creating new opportunities yourself. These places can truly become your third places, offering a sense of belonging and support.
Aabø, S., & Audunson, R. (2012). Use of library space and the library as place. Library & Information Science Research, 34(2), 138–149. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lisr.2011.06.002
Lee, N., & Houston, D. (2024). The perceived psychological benefits of third places for university students before and after COVID-19 Lockdowns. Cities, 153, 105299. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cities.2024.105299
Ma, X. (2003). Sense of Belonging to School: Can Schools Make a Difference? The Journal of Educational Research, 96(6), 340–349. https://doi.org/10.1080/00220670309596617
Oldenburg, R. (1989). The Great Good Place: Cafes, Coffee Shops, Community Centers, Beauty Parlors, General Stores, Bars, Hangouts, and How They Get You Through the Day. New York: Paragon House