University of Bristol student wins free accommodation worth £12,000 at Timber yard
A first-year law student at the University of Bristol has won a competition to receive an academic year of free accommodation at new student development Timber Yard.
Nineteen-year-old Thiranya Hettiarachchi, originally from Windsor, was announced as the winner of the competition, securing accommodation for her second year of university studies.
Thiranya will benefit from a Standard Ensuite Room for the 2026-27 academic year at Timber Yard, which is opening less than 10 minutes from the Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus this September. The prize represents a saving of over £12,000.
The highly anticipated Timber Yard is set to become one of Bristol’s most distinctive student living destinations, combining quality living space and 25 individual internal amenity spaces, which include, two gyms, cinema, and karaoke, as well as external amenity spaces including an outside gym, roof terrace and basketball area. Its canal side location and far-reaching views will provide a peaceful setting for busy students.
Thiranya moved to the UK from Sri Lanka when she was two years old and is currently studying law at the University of Bristol, having been first attracted to the city’s welcoming atmosphere.
“I chose Bristol because it’s such a vibrant city and there’s a real sense of community here,” said Thiranya.
“Everyone is so friendly, and it quickly felt like home.”
Speaking about her competition win, Thiranya said she was particularly excited by the opportunity to live in a brand-new development in the heart of a rapidly developing area of the city.
“I’m really excited about Timber Yard because it’s a new build and everything has been so intentionally designed,” she said. “I’ve already visited the site and it’s been great to see the progress being made and the clear vision for the development. The general manager Josh gave me a tour and hearing about all the amenities was great. I can really see myself living and studying here.”
She added: “The location is perfect, although it’s in the heart of Bristol, close to Temple Meads Station and the new campus, it feels like it is slightly set apart. It won’t be as noisy as living right in the city centre so it will be really nice to come back to a calm and peaceful environment after a busy day.”
Thiranya also highlighted the significant financial impact the prize will have during her studies and beyond.
“I’m incredibly grateful to have won,” she said. “Student finance goes almost entirely towards accommodation costs, so this will be a massive saving for me. Not just for next year, but it will also help set me up for my early career by reducing future debt. It’s hard to put into words what this means to me.
“With the current cost of living, having accommodation covered will make such a huge difference,” she added.
Timber Yard’s general manager Josh Picton, said: “We’re delighted to congratulate Thiranya on winning this competition and becoming part of the Timber Yard community for the 2026-27 academic year.
“At Timber Yard, we want to create more than just student accommodation, we’re building a community where students can feel comfortable, supported and at home while studying in Bristol. It’s fantastic to hear how much Thiranya values the balance of being close to the city while also having a calm and peaceful environment to return to.
“We know that accommodation costs can place significant pressure on students, particularly with the ongoing cost of living challenges, so we’re incredibly pleased that this prize will help support Thiranya both during her studies and as she begins building her future career.
“We look forward to welcoming her to Timber Yard when we open our doors this September.”
Looking ahead, Thiranya hopes to qualify as a solicitor after completing her studies and is excited about what the future may hold.
“I’m looking forward to seeing where life takes me,” she said.
Timber Yard, Bristol is set to welcome students for the 2026-27 academic year, offering modern accommodation designed to create a comfortable and community-focused student living experience.
To find out more and register your interest visit Timber Yard - Premium Student Accommodation in Bristol
