My name is Tom Onion; I'm 20 years old and study International Politics & Strategic Studies at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth.

During my first year of University, I've had a great time playing Rugby League and 'Digs' Football, but by far the best thing I've done has been joining Wales UOTC. After University I'll be attending the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst to train to be an Army Officer, and WUOTC seemed to offer a valuable insight into how the military works.

This has been thoroughly fulfilled, with training ranging from the best way to erect a shelter and administrate myself in the field to skills such as firing rifles and the best way to enter a building under fire. I've also had the opportunity to visit various units in order to get a broader view of how the British Army works.

I've gained a lot more than that through WUOTC however, having been Skiing in the Alps (where I gained a Skiing Qualification), playing sports and joining a massive group of friends. I was also lucky enough to be selected as Best First Year Officer Cadet on summer camp and gained best shot on the ranges, which will all be great additions to my CV.

The social side of WUOTC is massive, with frequent opportunities to attend black tie dinners, cocktail parties and socialise in the Officers mess. Each of the companies within WUOTC also has their own socials after weekly training, which are a great laugh - and Aberystwyth's are surely the best!

In the coming year with WUOTC, I'm hoping to undertake the challenge of Exercise Cambrian Patrol, the premier patrols competition of the British Army, and hopefully get some more Adventurous Training and Sports done.

Nothing else at University seems to offer anything like the varied opportunity of the Officer Training Corps, and certainly no other club pays you to have fun.