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Heartstopper season 3, from Alice Oseman's best-selling graphic novels, keeps the audience engaged as it navigates the complexities of life, mental health, and relationships through the journey of Charlie and his struggles with mental health and eating disorders and Nick's efforts to help him get through all of these.
Probably the biggest question about Nick through the season is what his future holds: will he stay close to home and go to a university, or move off a bit further to go to a school that he is crazy about, leaving Charlie behind? In the Heartstopper season 3 finale, Nick and his friends go on a road trip to visit some prospective universities.
As he moves from one school to another, his sentiments regarding the distance separating him from Charlie are made very clear. However, as much as he wants them to stay close, he wants to attend school at a place as close as possible to his favorite university University of Leeds.
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Nick's university dilemma
Throughout Heartstopper season 3, Nick’s struggle with his university decision builds up to a key moment in the finale. Before all that, Nick seriously contemplates local universities so he does not have to leave Charlie and his mother. As the road trip continues, though, he realizes quickly that he doesn't feel a connection to any of the schools near them.
Nick still does not wish to go to a local university primarily after having gone to the University of Kent, which doesn't make him feel thrilled. At the University of Leeds, he opens up and reveals to his friends that he wants to stay around primarily due to, Charlie.
The impression, however, changes when they visit the University of Leeds, and Nick develops an instant affection for the university. He falls in love with the school, particularly rugby, and a cordial embrace. Four hours away from home is the amount that makes Nick feel torn between staying in a place where he has a chance to be close to his loved ones and where his heart goes.
The impact on Nick and Charlie’s relationship in Heartstopper season 3
Charlie is also struggling with his battles back home as he tries to get his life in order during this time, even while Nick makes up his mind about the university. Charlie has been forced throughout the season to cope with his mental health, particularly anxiety and eating disorders.
By the end of Heartstopper season 3, Charlie starts to understand that it's the presence of his friends by his side that is important and not only his romantic love life. The endpoints of his therapy sessions bring this realization, as he says that though he loves Nick, he still needs other people in his life to reach a well-balanced equilibrium.
Despite their strong relationship, the idea of Nick moving away for university introduces uncertainty. As they go on their road trip, Elle tells Nick she's going to study art abroad. This moment hints at Nick’s growing realization that distance might not be such a bad thing for their relationship. It rather introduces the prospect of distance, which they have yet to face in their relationship so far.
Will Nick choose Leeds?
Heartstopper season 3 ends with a quiet moment, a bit of bedroom intimacy with Nick and Charlie in bed together after Nick returns from his road trip. Much earlier in the episode, however, Charlie discovers evidence that Nick had been researching information online at the University of Leeds, so this may be his first choice.
But at the same time, reassuring Charlie that he wants to stick close, by the end of this road trip, it's clear that Leeds is where Nick finally gets excited about his future. The final does not answer Nick's decision. But it sets up a challenging choice for Nick: will he stick with his relationship with Charlie and stay local or leave for Leeds to study?
This cliffhanger leaves the viewers wondering what the future will be for this couple. The tension between their ambition and the romantic relationships depicted throughout Heartstopper season 3 will probably feature highly if the show comes back for a fourth season.
Heartstopper season 3 is available on Netflix.
