What is The School of Life Membership?

Membership is a year-long invitation to belong to a global community of psychologically minded people. It includes: Unlimited access to all online events (including two conversations a year with Alain de Botton). Access to our global programme of in-person events (London, US, Brazil, Australia). A place in our private online social app. Access to our flagship Festival of Ideas . Full access to The School of Life Content App (articles, videos, podcasts, and exercises). This is not simply a subscription. It is a sanctuary for people who want to think deeply, speak honestly, and form friendships around life’s big questions.

What happens if I’m already a School of Life App subscriber?

Good news: access to the content app is included with Membership. If you’re already an app subscriber and choose to become a Member, you’ll need to purchase Membership first. We will refund any remaining value from your app subscription within 14 working days. Please contact customerservices@theschooloflife.com if you have not received your refund after this time.

What kinds of events are included?

We curate a wide range of experiences, such as: Psychologically rich dinners and discussions. Workshops on emotional themes. Conversations hosted in our Social app. Book clubs

Is this membership only for people in the UK?

Not at all. Membership is global. Many events are hosted in London, but we also run programming across the US, Brazil, Australia, and online. Please do check event times carefully, as they’re listed in local time zones.

Is Membership right for me if I’m introverted or new to social groups?

Absolutely. Our spaces are designed to be inclusive and gentle. You don’t need to perform or be extroverted. Whether you prefer group discussions or quiet, one-to-one connections, you’ll find events that suit your temperament.

Can I try it before committing?

Unfortunately, we don’t offer trials for the Membership.

How long does Membership last?

Membership lasts for one year and renews automatically unless cancelled.

How do renewals work?

Your subscription renews automatically each year at the price in effect at the time of renewal. We’ll email you at least seven days before renewal, reminding you of the cost and your benefits If you’d prefer not to renew, simply turn off auto-renewal in your account settings at least 24 hours before your renewal date.

Can I cancel my Membership?

Yes. You may cancel at any time by turning off auto-renewal in your account settings or by emailing customerservice@theschooloflife.com . You can continue to enjoy all of your Membership benefits until the end of your annual term. Please note: we do not offer refunds for unused months.

Can I share my Membership with someone else?

Membership is for personal use only. Please don’t share your login or event details with others.

What happens if I break the rules of the Social app?

The Social app is governed by our Community Guidelines and T&C’s. These ensure conversations remain respectful, thoughtful, and safe. Breaches may lead to suspension or cancellation of your Membership, without refund.

Is the Membership Social app moderated?

You may be aware of the UK’s Online Safety Act 2023. We use our best efforts to comply with OFCOM’s Codes of Practice in our moderation of the Community. This requires The School of Life to take certain steps to protect our community from seeing illegal content. Like other forums, we use AI to search for certain keywords and images and flag their use to our human moderators, who then decide whether the post is breaching our Community Guidelines and/ or the law. Our moderators may block or remove those posts. Note that direct messages are not moderated by The School of Life staff. Please be kind, respectful, and thoughtful. We are committed to keeping this space respectful, legal and emotionally safe.

How much do events cost?

Most online events are included in your Membership. Some in-person events (depending on format and location) carry an additional cost. Prices are always listed clearly on the booking page.

Can I pay in my local currency?

Currently, membership payments can be made in GBP, AUD, CAD, USD, or EUR. For exclusive member events hosted on Eventbrite, payments are accepted in GBP, USD, AUD, or EUR, depending on the event’s location. Please note that we are not responsible for any exchange rate differences at the time of purchase.

Where are events held?

Events take place worldwide, both online and in person. If any changes prevent this from being possible, we will email you the updated information in advance. Please make sure to: Double-check your e-ticket or our website before the event to confirm the venue. Provide us with a correct and up-to-date email address. We cannot be held responsible if you do not receive venue details due to missed or undeliverable emails.

How long are the events?

Our event time varies. Some are short and focused (around 90 minutes), others allow for deeper exploration (2 hours), and some stretch over a half-day or even a full-day festival. Each event page lists its exact duration so you’ll know what to expect.

I am not 100% sure I can make the date yet. Can I reserve a place in advance?

Unfortunately, we are not able to take reservations in advance.

Do you run events on weekends?

Yes, currently in the UK. Our programme includes both weekday and weekend events to suit a variety of schedules.

Can I cancel or transfer my ticket?

Unfortunately, we cannot offer refunds or transfers for missed events. Please make sure you’re available before booking. Full Event Terms can be found here: “Event Terms”.

I haven’t received my ticket in the post. When will it arrive?

We issue an electronic confirmation by email, which serves as your ticket. Please make sure to enter your email address carefully at the time of booking, and if you do not receive your ticket shortly thereafter, please double-check the email address you entered at the time of booking and also check your spam/junk older. Please note we cannot be held responsible in the event you do not receive your ticket because you failed to enter your email address correctly. Email customerservice@theschooloflife.com if you would like to change any information on your ticket.

Will the events be recorded?

We do not allow filming of any of our live events, as our events are a safe space. Recording could inhibit the sense of safety and privacy that attendees need to participate fully. Occasionally, we may do some filming for promotional purposes, but this is always done thoughtfully and with consent, and it never compromises the closed nature of the sessions. Our goal is always to create the very best experience for our participants, preserving the openness and trust that make the events meaningful.

How many participants will attend the events?

Due to the nature of the material covered in our member events, we find that smaller group sizes help everyone to feel relaxed and get the most out of participating, so we have a maximum group size of 25-30 participants per workshop, with a max of 45 on the virtual events.

Can I book more than one event online?

Yes, if you are a member, simply select each event you wish to attend and add it to your shopping basket. All selected events will be there at checkout. Please note you can only book 1 ticket for each event.

What if I have dietary requirements?

If you have any special dietary, health or other requirements, please notify us at the time of booking in the check-out process. We are able to accommodate most requirements, but cannot guarantee this. Please note that it is your responsibility to contact us at the point of booking, and if necessary for your attendance, obtain confirmation by email (through customerservice@theschooloflife.com) that we can meet your needs. If it turns out that we are unable to meet your requirements, you will be entitled to a refund.

Do I need to bring ID or proof of Membership to attend?

No need. We will verify your Membership in advance and scan you into the event upon arrival.

Do I need to prepare or bring anything to Member events?

No, just come as you are. All materials you’ll need will be provided, unless otherwise communicated at the time of booking. Our events are designed so you can arrive with nothing but your curiosity and openness.

It mentions global Membership. When will events be coming to my local area or time zone?

We’re still in the early stages of building our global programme. Right now, many events are online (so you can join from anywhere, please check the time zone), and we’re steadily growing our in-person presence. As our Membership expands, we hope to bring more gatherings closer to you, both in your time zone and, eventually, in your city.

I think I’m depressed. Is The School of Life Membership for me?

The School of Life is dedicated to supporting participants in exploring life’s big questions within a safe and thoughtful environment. However, we are not a clinical or medical service. If you feel you require professional assistance, we recommend seeking private therapy. You can find more information about therapy sessions through our Therapy service here. Additionally, seek support options in your country. For example, in the UK: Samaritans – 24/7 freephone: 116 123 Mind – free articles, resources, and local support. If you think you have a medical or mental health emergency, please call 999 (UK) or go to the nearest open clinic or emergency room. Please refer to Find a helpline – www.findahelpline.com (global directory by country).

How do I contact you?

For Membership support, email: customerservice@theschooloflife.com . We’ll do our best to respond in 48 hours. For full details, please see our Membership Terms and Conditions .

How do I book a Member ticket for events?

Use the Membership calendar on The School of Life website. You’ll need the unique booking code provided in your welcome email; this will unlock the Members ticket check-out box. Once booked, you’ll receive an e-ticket by email.

How do I log into the Membership social app?

Our social app is separate from The School of Life content app. It is hosted on a platform called Circle, which can be accessed via web or mobile app. Your welcome email contains a personal link and instructions to access the community. If you can’t find it, please check your spam folder or contact customerservices@theschooloflife.com . You can download the Circle app at these links: App Store (iOS) Google Play (Android) Once downloaded, log in with your username and password for The School of Life Membership.

How do I access the members-only content and app?

When you join, you’ll receive a welcome email with login details and links for: The Membership calendar (where you can book events). The Member’s access code for events The Social app (where conversations continue). The School of Life Content App (with exclusive content). Your discount code for our online shop Please keep this email safe and don’t forward.

Welcome Dinner with Alain de Botton, London

In-Person
Sociability

Conversation and Community – A Welcome Dinner with Alain de Botton.

Total

£85 - 90.55

About This Event

Becoming a member of The School of Life isn’t simply about gaining access to ideas – it’s about joining a community. To mark this beginning, we warmly invite our newest members to an intimate dinner hosted by our founder, Alain de Botton. This is a unique opportunity to gather around a table not for ordinary chat, but for the kind of rich, thoughtful exchange that leaves us feeling connected, seen and inspired.

This evening is designed to introduce you not just to The School of Life, but to the people who bring it to life – a group of fellow members who are curious, emotionally intelligent and sincerely interested in others. Together, we’ll share stories, perspectives and reflections on what it means to live wisely and well, with the humour and honesty that underpin all of our best conversations.

This dinner marks the beginning of your journey with us – we very much look forward to welcoming you.

Language: English
Duration: 2.5 hours
Date: 3rd of October
Dinner Style: Sharing
Location: Please view ticket after purchase
Time: 7.00 – 9.30 PM BST

Please note: this is an exclusive access event for The School of Life Members. The ticket costs £85, excluding ticket fees and VAT. This event has 28 spaces available. To purchase a Membership, please click here. If you have any questions about the format of the event or Membership, please get in touch at [email protected].

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