As technology continues to advance, the storage capacity of devices has become a major consideration for students in every field particularly those pursuing a career in medicine.
With countless resources and study materials required, the need for high-storage devices is paramount to keep up with the busy demands of med school.
Also Read: Is Mac or Windows better for medical school?
However, as a prospective med school student, the question on your mind may be Is 128GB enough for med school? With the ever-increasing availability of cloud storage, the answer may surprise you. Let’s find out.
Consider the size of the files
Files could range from massive video lectures to high-resolution images and dense PDF textbooks.
Video lectures, often necessary for understanding complex medical procedures, can consume a significant portion of storage space.
High-resolution images used for reference, such as anatomical diagrams and microscopic images, also add to the storage requirements.
Similarly, e-books and research papers, indispensable for your academic work, can quickly fill up your storage, depending on their number and size.
Understanding these storage needs is a crucial step in evaluating whether 128GB would be enough for your med school journey.
Types of applications you’ll be using for med school
The type of applications you’ll be using in med school significantly impacts storage needs. Medical students frequently use applications such as electronic health records (EHR) systems, MRI reading software, and complex data analysis programs, all of which require adequate storage.
Also, note that some applications require additional space for updates and temporary files, causing a further increase in storage consumption.
If you rely heavily on these applications for your coursework or research, 128GB might start to feel cramped.
However, if your usage is more oriented towards web-based applications and platforms, the storage requirement might be considerably less. Evaluate your probable usage patterns and make a decision accordingly.
Research if cloud storage is an option for additional space
Exploring cloud storage as an additional space option could be an effective solution. Cloud platforms can host vast amounts of data without affecting your device’s local storage.
This can be particularly useful for storing large files like video lectures or high-resolution images that you don’t need to access frequently.
You may also find cloud platforms useful for collaborative work, as they allow you to share files easily with peers and professors.
You should consider the potential costs associated with higher-tier cloud storage plans, as well as the quality of your internet connection, which may affect your access to stored files. Evaluate these factors to see if using cloud storage complements your study requirements.
Analyze storage on other devices
You may also want to consider the available storage on your other devices, such as smartphones and tablets. These devices often contain essential educational apps and digital textbooks.
They can quickly run out of storage, especially if you frequently download new apps or media files. To ensure you don’t run into storage issues, make a habit of checking and managing the storage on these devices regularly.
Uninstall apps you no longer use, and move media files to external storage or cloud platforms to make room for more important academic resources.
Also, check the storage capacity when purchasing new devices, as this can significantly affect their usefulness for your medical studies.
Connect with your IT department
Your institution’s IT department could offer valuable insights and guidelines when it comes to managing your digital resources effectively.
They are typically aware of any limitations or policies that you might need to follow, particularly when using school-based cloud or network storage.
In addition, they may suggest optimal storage solutions tailored to your specific requirements and study load.
For instance, they could recommend certain cloud platforms known for high security or affordability.
Don’t hesitate to consult them if you face any storage-related issues or simply need advice on managing your digital resources better. Their expertise can help you navigate through this aspect of your medical studies more efficiently.
Investing in an external hard drive
An external hard drive can be a wise investment for you, especially if you’re dealing with large amounts of data.
The benefits are numerous. For one, it offers ample space to store all your important academic files.
This can be particularly useful if you frequently work with large media files for your medical studies, such as high-resolution images or video lectures.
An external hard drive serves as a reliable backup solution. If anything were to happen to your primary device, you would still have access to your crucial files.
With numerous options available in the market, you can choose a hard drive that fits your needs and budget. Always consider factors such as storage capacity, speed, price, and the hard drive’s durability when making your choice.