Looking for help with NLU3A membership, activities or other questions? Try the FAQs below.
Membership FAQs
Q: What age do I need to be to join North London U3A?
A: There is no upper or lower age limit. The only requirement is that you are no longer in full-time work and are either semi-retired or fully retired.
Q: Is there a ‘catchment area’ for NLU3A?
A: No. NLU3A is the North London U3A with meetings in Finchley, Highgate, Muswell Hill and nearby areas, but you don’t need to live in these areas. However, do consider whether you can easily access the locations where meetings take place.
Q: Can I try NLU3A out before joining?
A: Yes. Non-members are welcome to attend a Monthly Meeting to find out more about NLU3A (but anyone wishing to attend more than one Monthly Meeting is asked to become a member). Similarly, non-members are welcome to attend one taster session of an Interest Group (please check with the Group Coordinator first).
Q: Do you hold open days?
A: Yes – we have an Open Morning each year, usually in September. It’s an opportunity for members to meet the coordinators of Interest Groups they may be interested in joining, and for prospective members to find more about NLU3A.
Q: Do I need to have online access to join NLU3A?
A: While you can still join NLU3A if you don’t have online access, we do recommend that members have the use of a computer, tablet or smartphone, or at least access to the internet via a friend or family. All our information is now distributed to members through our website and via our monthly email newsletter, so someone without access to these would have to rely on others to keep them in touch.
Q: Can I belong to more than one U3A?
A: Yes, but you need to be aware that each U3A is independent within the national structure and each U3A operates its own rules and sets its own membership subscription. Joining a particular U3A therefore does not give the freedom to join another U3A without paying a second membership subscription.
Q: What type of NLU3A membership is right for me?
A: North London U3A offers three types of membership:
- Individual membership: This entitles you to join as many of our Interest Groups as you wish, depending on vacancies within each group. Membership fees currently include venue costs for Interest Group meetings (and Group Coordinators will advise of any additional costs).
- Associate membership: If you are a current member of another U3A, you can join NLU3A as an Associate member with a discount on the full-year subscription with access to all membership benefits.
- Associate One membership: If you are a current member of another U3A and want access only to ONE nominated NLU3A Interest Group with no other membership benefits, you can join us as an Associate One member with a reduced rate.
Q: What are the current (2024) NLU3A membership subscription rates?
A: This information is also provided on our Join form. At our AGM on 14 October 2024, we confirmed the subscription rates for the 2025 membership year:
- Full-year subscription for 2025: £40
- Associate members discount on full-year subscription: £5.50
- Members joining from 1 July to 31 October 2024 pay the part-year subscription rate: £24 (This is the rate for both Individual and Associate membership subscriptions valid until 31 December 2024.)
- Members joining from 1 November 2024 can pay a single annual fee which is valid from their join date until 31 December 2025 (up to 14 months)
- Associate One membership for 2025: £15 To apply for this, please contact the Membership Secretary directly at membership@nlu3a.org.uk (not via the Join form).
Q: Are any concessions available?
A: Anyone in receipt of Pension Credit is entitled to a concessionary rate. For further information, please contact the Membership Secretary membership@nlu3a.org.uk in strictest confidence.
Q: When I join, how will I be helped to settle in and meet other new members?
A: Every new member is invited to a new members meeting – a coffee morning or afternoon tea to meet other new members and find out more about NLU3A. Do contact our Groups Organiser if you would like help in finding Interest Groups to join. If you are a bit shy about walking into a room full of strangers, do ask the group’s coordinator if they can introduce you to the group members, who will all be keen to meet you.
Activities and events FAQs
Q: What regular activities and events does NLU3A offer?
A: Our main activities are run by our Interest Groups – there are around 70 of these across many topic areas. Please do browse our groups and find out where and when they meet. Our main regular NLU3A events are the Monthly Meetings, which take place every month (except August and December) and comprise an informal gathering with tea and coffee, followed by an illustrated talk. Find out about recent and forthcoming talk topics here.
Q: What other events and activities does NLU3A offer?
A: In addition to Interest Group activities and regular Monthly Meetings, we offer other events on a semi-regular basis. There are occasional day outings called Away Days (within London) and Further Away Days (further afield). For these, there are modest extra costs to cover travel and entrance fees. We also offer some special social gatherings for members. Currently we organise an afternoon tea party in the summer and a festive lunch in December. In July and August we usually offer a Summer Programme with around 30 different activities, including walks, socials, visits to museums, quizzes and Interest Group taster sessions (including a wine-tasting one!).
Q: I have an idea for a new Interest Group or activity – can I start one?
A: Very possibly yes! We are always delighted to hear from anyone who is keen to lead a new group – you don’t need special expertise in most instances, and we are always on hand with support and advice to help you. If you think you might like to lead a new group, please contact our Groups Organiser.
Other FAQs
Q: Can I make payments online for membership, outings etc.?
A: Unfortunately not at the moment. We provide online forms for membership (joining and renewal) and for many event bookings, after which payment can be made by bank transfer or a cheque sent by post. Further details are provided on each form.
Q: I've noticed a technical problem with the website. Who do I contact?
A: For technical problems, please contact our Technical Manager.
Q: I’m a NLU3A Group Coordinator/organiser and I need the information on the website to be updated. Who do I contact?
A: To update information about NLU3A Interest Groups, please contact our Groups Organiser. To provide updated information about anything else on the website, please contact our Website Editor.
Q: I’m a NLU3A Group Coordinator/organiser. Where can I find guidance for how to run my group?
A: We have a Guide for Group Coordinators document that gives helpful guidance for Group Coordinators on running groups, which you can find here.