What is U3A?

WHAT IS U3A?

The University of the Third Age (U3A) is a learning co-operative for people from all walks of life. No qualifications are required of members, and none are given. U3A exists for those who haven’t forgotten that learning is fun!

U3A is a non-profit organization and the two great benefits of membership are intellectual stimulation and social interaction!

The name is derived as shown below...

Your “first” age is from birth to completion of education.

Your “second” age is the time you spend as an adult in your family and career environment.

Your “third” age are the years in retirement whilst enjoying good health

The University of the Third Age began in France in 1972 and has proved to be enormously popular in many countries with over 250,000 members worldwide.

U3A consists of groups of people who come together to share knowledge, skills, and experience in an informal association of their own design, meeting in private homes or local venues. Other benefits are new friendships to be made and the chance to spend time with like-minded people whilst learning about varied subjects and enjoying outings and meetings.

People join the U3A for a multitude of reasons: it may be the next thing after retirement, they may hear about it from friends and neighbours and want to ‘give it a try’ or the children may have grown and flown. It may be that a loved one has passed away and this feels like the end and they cannot find anything worth doing. Joining a U3A is powerful way of combating loneliness.

It’s local, social, friendly, low-cost and open to all. Join U3A, start learning together and make the most out of life!