The u3a is one of the fastest-growing organisations in the UK for people who have finished working full-time. As well as all the benefits of joining your own local u3a, there are many additional benefits for u3a members:
Interest groups online and Subject Advisors: we have more than 100 online groups with subjects as diverse as art, cinema, crosswords, current affairs, extreme knitting, French, poetry, quizzes, law, poetry, science and technology, world history and Zentangle. It costs £12 to join for the year which runs from April to March. Interest Groups Online We also have more than 80 Subject Advisors who volunteer to help set up and support new groups (everything from archaeology to yoga). For more information check out https://www.u3a.org.uk/learning/subjects
Online learning events: u3a members can join a wide range of online talks, workshops and courses for free. Most of these opportunities are presented by members themselves, sharing their knowledge or skills with others across the u3a. We also have a wide range of talks on offer from well-known speakers and organisations. You can also offer to run a talk or a workshop yourself. Educational Events
u3amatters Magazine: packed with stories, information and news about u3as across the UK, every member can choose to have u3amatters posted to their home (in a recycled paper envelope) five times a year. u3amatters Magazine
u3a Friends newsletter and Friends Extra Benefits Scheme: sign up for the online national u3a Friends Newsletter, filled with news from u3as across the country, information on u3a nationwide events and national initiatives, and enjoy exclusive access to our u3a Friends Extra benefits programme which offers health and wellbeing discounts, shopping savings on major brands and discount cards, travel discount, lifestyle and leisure offers, insurance offers and access to financial advice/legal helpline. u3a Friends
Future Lives: a UK-wide u3a group which shares information and resources to inspire, influence and inform members about how we can improve our future lives, challenge attitudes and break down physical barriers that limit and restrict people as they get older. Future Lives
Social media: the u3a can be accessed via Facebook, Instagram and X and we have our own podcasts and YouTube channel
Facebook: most u3as have their own Facebook page. We also have several national Facebook pages including:
- National Facebook groups: Crafts, Gardening, In My Own Write, Let's Talk Tech, u3a Eye National Photography Competition, u3aRocks
- u3a Keeping in Touch: where u3a members can chat informally to each other about all things u3a
- u3a Fit for the Future: where members can discuss the strategic direction and governance of the u3a