University Air Squadrons - Appearance and Rules?

If you join a UAS are you expected to dress and maintain yourself as if you were in the RAF?

For example if a male uni student had male hair, would he be expected to have it cut to the RAF standards?

(looking into engineering)

You're expected to take care of your uniform - ensure it's ironed and shoes are polished, etc.

Hair shouldn't be touching the collar of your shirt as a male nor spill over onto your ears. Other than that it's pretty flexible on styles, though it'll be hidden under the hat.

So it's basically like being at Air Cadets again?

I loved air cadets

If you join a UAS are you expected to dress and maintain yourself as if you were in the RAF?

For example if a male uni student had male hair, would he be expected to have it cut to the RAF standards?

(looking into engineering)

I have heard many stories of that one guy who was on the interview with long hair and returned the next week with nothing and the staff thinking it was someone else!

You'd be in the RAF Volunteer Reserve which is just another branch of the RAF so the standards are no less than what the RAF ask. You follow the same dress regulations.

If you're thinking of applying, having high dress standards are important. Especially when you go for the interview, dress standards are one of the things the interview board look at. Although, the likes of your hair is something that can be altered later on down the line. I have heard many stories of that one guy who was on the interview with long hair and returned the next week with nothing and the staff thinking it was someone else!

Now another thing to consider is while your hair, if under a cap or beret isn't on show, if you choose to go flying your hair should be suitable that it fits into your helmet and you should ideally not be using any hair product to aide with that.

This happened on mine, saw it with my own eyes.

Guy turned up for interview looking like the archetypal British rocker, with waist length hair.
Passed the interview well but was told about the hair standards.

Turned up next week with a perfectly regulation short break and sides.

Ended up going RAF Reg.

I'm getting dental braces this month (which I realize precludes entry whilst they are needed)

My treatment will take 15 months. Can I apply direct to the RAF during the final months of my dental treatment? (as the application process takes a while anyway)

Don't quote me on it, but direct RAF applications process in a 6-9 month period and with COVID, certain roles are not currently a priority for direct entry, that said, you can still apply. With that in mind, after your treatment you should be ok as *fingers crossed* we'll have moved forward some in 15 months time.
Speak to your AFCO for a definitive answer. I've not sat through this myself but they'd be best to speak to for clarification.

UAS wise medically, there are fluctuations in what is and isn't allowed. Again, the UAS is something you could apply to and the military doctor will be able to make a decision whether or not you can join with or without braces. I'm not qualified to say.

I may just take the university w/UAS route instead then.

That way I will have 4+ years from now to decide on a roll from the UAS bursary list.

Now to decide what degree to pursue

The UAS has a unique application process that does't directly go through the AFCO currently. It's much quicker at the moment however it's also being trialled at the moment and will possibly change.

Taking a bursary is a great way to secure that and you'll go through selection while at university and you'll start IOT once you've finished studying. But be mindful that some bursaries require you to have a minimum of two years remaining at university but there are some final year bursaries issued for roles like engineering, I believe.

No specific degree required, but make sure it's something you want to do and you enjoy. It's a good idea to prepare for the worst in the event you're application is unsuccessful so also do something that will compliment your 'Plan B'. There is no guarantee you'll join the UAS while at uni, places are very competitive. You can find loads out by seeing the larger UAS threads on here or checking the UAS page on the RAF site. Associated universities are listed there too.

I'm considering potentially electrical engineering - but it's going to be extremely challenging as I will have to take A Level maths in one year (this year) Also I would probably have to consider a foundation year first as I've been out of education for 5 years. (meaning I will graduate in 5 years from now)

Weighing up E Eng, Business, Science etc...

Also I would probably have to consider a foundation year first as I've been out of education for 5 years.

The foundation year might make you ineligible for the UAS. You'll have to check, but I think you need to in the full degree before you can be accepted.

I'm getting dental braces this month (which I realize precludes entry whilst they are needed)

My treatment will take 15 months. Can I apply direct to the RAF during the final months of my dental treatment? (as the application process takes a while anyway)