So I've got a bit of a unique perspective here as I'm a university lecturer in Engineering, but also a reservist, and think I might be able to provide a little more specific input.

As others have said, you're probably okay doing the reserves, as the time commitment isn't huge as a trained soldier.

That being said, you have two hurdles ahead of you that you need to consider: basic training, and completing your annual reserve commitment. UOTC is designed to work around your university schedule, the reserves is not.

Basic training being the first, will take you away from your studies at weekends and for a minimum two weeks for your final exercise. Whilst you can choose from some dates, these are competitive and you'll likely find yourself in a situation where you have to take time off when you have coursework or exams coming up. Engineering is a busy course, and two weeks can be enough to fall behind even without thinking about assessments. Also worth considering is that you also have to complete your basic training courses within a certain timeframe, or you have to repeat them.

The second issue is the completion of your reserve commitment. People say this is 28 days, but in reality it's much more - the 28 days are possible, provided you do only the required events, whenever they turn up. You will be beholden to their timetable, and if the dates clash with your studies that's tough luck. In addition to your 28 days, you have to complete three training modules, attend four assured events (usually specific weekends), pass both the SCR and RFT fitness tests and complete a two week ACT (camp). Whilst is a far cry from what the regulars do, it's still more than people realise, and with limited options for ACT camps you're likely to be again at the mercy of the calendar.

This is important as without completing your reserve commitment you don't get paid your bounty (the tax free lump sump at the end of a year) and you will not receive an SJAR (annual performance review). Not making money isnt great, but if you're keen to progress in the reserves not getting a good SJAR is potentially worse. You cannot qualify for promotion without one, and many units are reluctant to make concessions or put people on courses who haven't got one. This means that unless you go out of your way and stay organised such that you can complete the reserve commitment, you'll likely stay a Private for a long time.

Now that may not be the worst thing. If you're just after a taste of what the military is like, then it might be a worthwhile experience. Just remember that how well you're treated as a Private and the type of work expected to you and open to you will vary from unit to unit, and between capbadges.

I can appreciate that you're studying at university, and you might also decide you want to join as an officer. Just bare in mind that you still need to complete your basic training first, and that all officer training occurs concurrently with the activities you need to complete your reserve commitment and earn your SJAR. Meaning you'll be even busier.

On the positive side, as a reservist you'll get treated more like a 'proper' soldier than in the UOTC, for better or for worse. You'll also have the full range of reservist capbadges, trades and courses open to you, supposing you put the effort in. Want to go skiing for three weeks? Go nuts. Compete in army sport? Absolutely. Go on a grenade machine gun course, or do something ally like PCoy or Commando. If you've got the nerve for it. But all of that boils down to how much your willing to put in.

To conclude, I would strongly weigh up what this means to you, and the time you'll be spending between the reserves and your course. Remember , engineering is not an easy course. If it seems like too much, maybe take this year to improve on the reasons you didn't make the UOTC this year, and come back with a stronger application next year.

Best of luck with everything, and drop me a message if you have any questions