THE University of The Third Age is leaping into the new year at a new venue and is inviting new students and tutors to join in the joy of learning in a social community environment.

These days better known as U3A, an organisation that operates around the world, the "university" is an informal learning environment designed for older residents who may be retired and looking for interesting things to do and new people to meet.

Previously based at SuniTAFE on Benetook Avenue, U3A Sunraysia has a new home at the Irymple Masonic Centre on Fifteenth Street and last week held a successful open day there.

Committee member Rosemary Barnes said the COVID-19 pandemic had heavily curtailed in-person U3A activities (members can also study online) and new students were very welcome.

There were no prior education-level requirements and no examinations – just opportunities to gain knowledge and learn new skills across a range of subjects, Ms Barnes said.

New to the curriculum this year, for instance, was Spanish, which was available because a tutor in the language had offered her services.

U3A Sunraysia students can involve themselves in subjects such as arts and crafts, music and singing, writing and language studies, and there are also practical classes on topics such as information technology and financial matters.

Classic games such as bridge, canasta and mah jong are also taught and played and there are guest lectures on topics of interest, the next to be delivered by sports historian Bob Utber on Friday February 10.

Membership of U3A costs $60 a year.

Anyone interested in joining can go to the u3asunraysia.com.au website or call in to the Masonic Centre during business hours from Monday to Friday.