U3A in London

The University of the Third Age (or U3A), is based on an idea from France and founded in this country in 1982. We were the first U3A in London and we still use that name, although there are now many more in London and over 1000 in the UK.

Our U3A is made up of men and women who are not in full time employment and who meet together to study a wide range of subjects. Our meetings take place in the old Hampstead Town Hall, on Monday to Friday during term time. We currently have about 180 classes on offer, all of which are run by members. We are all volunteers: no-one who works in our U3A in any capacity is paid.

We are not a university which awards degrees, but a group of people learning from each other. Many of our tutors are highly qualified and others have no qualifications at all. You don’t need qulaifications to join and you will not be given any: we study for the pleasure of learning. The leaders of our groups are called ‘co-ordinators’ because we see learning as a co-operative process. Like other U3As we are autonomous and make our own rules and regulations. We receive no government or local authority grant and are entirely self-financing.

“…and all the knowledge we possess, we mutually impart “ – Princess Ida, W S Gilbert

There is a national organisation called the Third Age Trust which represents the U3A movement in the UK and provides support, advice and a wide range of services to new and existing U3As.

How to contact us

Phone

020 7692 5440

When the Office is closed, you may leave a message.

Email

office@u3alondon.org.uk

Send us a message

How to find us

The University Of The Third Age In London (directions)

Map showing location of the U3A in London

Office Hours

Monday - Thursday
10:00 - 16:00
Fridays
10:00 - 12:30
Saturday, Sunday & Holidays
Closed

Term Dates

Dates from 2024-2025

Autumn 2024: 16 September 2024 - 13 December 2024
Spring 2025: 6 January 2025 - 4 April 2025
Summer 2025: 28 April 2025 - 25 July 2025

There are no half term holidays
Bank holidays are Monday 5 May and 26 May 2025