Officer Cadet Sarah Pozzi - 2 Section 11 Platoon

I decided to join the UOTC after talking to Officer Cadets at the fresher's fair. They described the many opportunities the UOTC has to offer, many of which I have now taken part in. I attended the open evening where I learnt more about the training and couldn't wait to start.

Weekends away are both physically and mentally challenging, but there is a massive sense of achievement at the end that makes it all worthwhile. Being paid is also a great incentive to spend your weekends on assault courses and firing ranges!

Within the UOTC I have taken part in numerous sporting events. I had the opportunity to visit The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst to run in the Army cross country finals. It was a great place to run with a challenging course. I am also a member of the netball team which has had a great season this year. A group of us also took part in the Liverpool Triathlon, gaining great results. Due to this success a Triathlon team has now been established with numerous races to look forward to.

There are opportunities to join many sports teams within the UOTC and if a particular sport you're interested in doesn't have a team then you can start a team, as we did the triathlon.

UOTC also offers a chance to take part in adventure training, as I did when I went on a five day mountaineering course, walking and camping in the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District. It was a great course which not only improves navigation but leadership skills too. There are so many different courses available, which increase your employability after university.

UOTC also has great socials with our own bar open every evening after training, with very cheap prices! It's a great place to socialise and where I have met some of my closest friends in University. We have many fancy dress parties but also more sophisticated evenings such as a Regimental Dinner Night.

I would definitely recommend UOTC to anyone looking for a challenge and who wants to stand out from the crowd. It builds your confidence and you develop skills adaptable to any career.