The Student Room Group

RAF Reserves in Uni?

Hey All,

Would it be a good idea to join the RAF reserves whilst studying an undergraduate degree?

Would I have enough time to balance between work and study? It is only 27 days a year.

Thank you!
Reply 1
Why are you considering the Reserves and not a University Air Squadron (UAS)?

The former has a liability for deployment, not ideal when you're studying. The UAS is designed for students.
Original post by vAimed
Hey All,
Would it be a good idea to join the RAF reserves whilst studying an undergraduate degree?
Would I have enough time to balance between work and study? It is only 27 days a year.
Thank you!

Air Force wise I'd say UAS. If you go in the reserves and only go in for the time you can, you probably won't get much out of it unless you stay after study. If you wanted to go into reserves while at uni I'd say Army Reserves, they are much more flexible and accommodating for students. Very open to night and weekend hours. UAS can be tricky for those who live and study no where near them, that's why I didn't go to one.
Original post by spritebru
Air Force wise I'd say UAS. If you go in the reserves and only go in for the time you can, you probably won't get much out of it unless you stay after study. If you wanted to go into reserves while at uni I'd say Army Reserves, they are much more flexible and accommodating for students. Very open to night and weekend hours. UAS can be tricky for those who live and study no where near them, that's why I didn't go to one.

The same applies to Army Reserves as I've said above; you have a liability for deployment which doesn't sit with full-time education. Plus there's no guarantee of a suitable Army unit near uni so there's still the issue of travel.

If you join something designed for students you're more likely to find other members and can share lifts etc and things like UAS and UOTC have evening and weekend hours.

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