An URNU is a Naval Training establishment on or near a campus, with its own offices, classroom and Officers' Mess. Each unit also has a training vessel, usually a turbo charged fast patrol craft, fitted with modern navigational equipment. Each craft has a full time Royal Navy crew and accommodation for twelve people. 14 URNUs have been established around the UK in order to provide an insight into naval life for undergraduates without any commitment to join the Navy.

Undergraduates join the units with the rank of Midshipman in the Royal Naval Reserve. If you decide to join your university unit, your introduction will include both theoretical and practical instruction, emphasising a 'hands-on' approach. You will learn to navigate and respond to all kinds of situations, including standing watch and performing emergency manoeuvres. Through a regular programme of drill nights, weekends and short shore-based courses, you will find that working in a team provides opportunities for self-assessment, builds self-confidence and instils a sense of the sea.

Travel and Training

During the Easter and Summer vacations the training craft deploy abroad to destinations in the Channel Islands, the Netherlands, France, Germany and many other European countries. This will give you the chance to become familiar with your ship, and to put theory to practice during a longer voyage. Typical training exercises on such deployments include vessel manoeuvres with other ships, transfers at sea, and practice emergency drills. Then there is the excitement of going ashore to the various ports of call - interesting places to see and new people to meet.

Drill Nights - Fun Nights

Each unit's weekly drill night during term-time involves theoretical instruction, in the form of lectures and demonstrations, as well as practical chartwork. Sessions promoting leadership skills through sport and practical team exercises also play an important role in engendering group discipline, which is vital for the efficient operation of any ship. They form a sound basis for regular weekends at sea, during which all Midshipmen experience ship duties, such as Watchkeeper, Navigator, and even Ship's Cook. However, drill nights are also fun nights, and as in any club, there are many opportunities for socialising in an informal and friendly atmosphere. In addition, as a member of an URNU, you will be able to take part in a range of varied sporting activities, from conventional sports to adventurous training. Often it is possible to arrange visits to other services' facilities, such as Army Bases and RAF Stations.

Social Opportunities and Special Occasions

Each unit organises formal and informal functions throughout the year, including dinners, cocktail parties and Guests' Nights. VIPs and Royalty may attend special functions, such as the Trafalgar Night Dinner, which commemorates Admiral Nelson's victory of 1805.

Pay and Bounty

Throughout these and all other unit activities, Midshipmen are paid by the Navy at standard Naval rate, with the added bonus of a bounty paid on the completion of each full year's programme. Uniforms are also provided free of charge and unit members may qualify for a uniform maintenance allowance. Joining an URNU presents you with a golden opportunity to enjoy yourself while learning and earning. Can you think of a better way to supplement your grant?

Commitment

The specialist training and facilities offered by URNUs provides a first hand insight into Service life, yet there is no obligation to join the Royal Navy. Membership will usually last three years or however long your degree course takes to complete. Many members become so enthusiastic about our organisation that they want to keep up their interest after graduation. An Alumini organisation has been set up to cater for such people. Whatever your future, URNU will provide a lasting and rewarding experience.

Unit	Ship	Unit	Ship
Aberdeen	HMS Archer	Oxford	HMS Tracker
Birmingham	HMS Exploit	London	HMS Puncher
Bristol	HMS Trumpeter	Manchester	HMS Biter
Cambridge	HMS Raider	Northumbrian	HMS Example
Glasgow	HMS Smiter	Sussex	HMS Ranger
Liverpool	HMS Charger	Southampton	HMS Blazer
Wales	HMS Express	Yorkshire	HMS Explorer