Choosing the right device for college is crucial. Students today rely on tech for taking notes, reading textbooks, completing assignments, and staying organized. If you’re asking, is 64 GB iPad enough for college, you’re not alone. With digital files, apps, and media eating up space fast, it’s important to understand whether 64 GB is truly sufficient. In this article, we’ll explore storage requirements, usage habits, and tips to help you decide if 64 GB is enough for your college life.

Understanding Your College Needs

1. What Will You Use Your iPad For?

Before deciding if 64 GB is enough, consider your intended use:

• Note-taking using apps like GoodNotes or Notability

• Reading PDFs and eBooks

• Streaming lectures and videos

• Using productivity apps (e.g., Microsoft Office, Google Docs)

• Downloading assignments and presentations

If these are your main tasks, 64 GB might be enough — but there are exceptions.

Pros of Choosing a 64 GB iPad

2. Cost-Effective for Budget-Conscious Students

iPads with 64 GB storage are generally the most affordable models. If you’re on a tight budget, this option can save you money. You can use that extra cash for accessories like an Apple Pencil or Smart Keyboard.

3. Encourages Better Storage Management

Limited space means you’ll likely store only what you need. This habit reduces clutter and keeps your iPad running smoothly. Cloud services like iCloud, Google Drive, or OneDrive can help store large files externally, freeing up iPad space.

Cons of Choosing a 64 GB iPad

4. Limited Offline Storage

If your school or dorm has weak or no internet, you may need to download videos, apps, or textbooks in advance. This will eat up storage quickly. In that case, you might regret not choosing a larger storage option.

5. Media Files Take Up a Lot of Space

Photos, music, and especially videos can consume a lot of storage. If you’re studying media, design, or film, or just enjoy saving lectures and movies for later viewing, 64 GB might not be sufficient.

How Much Space Do Students Actually Use?

6. Typical Storage Consumption

Let’s break it down:

• Note-taking apps: 5–10 GB (over 4 years with regular use)

• Textbooks and PDFs: 5–15 GB depending on your major

• Apps and productivity tools: 10–15 GB

• Photos and media files: 10–20 GB if unmanaged

• System files and OS updates: 10–12 GB

You’re already close to using 50–60 GB without considering future downloads. So, is 64 GB iPad enough for college in this case? It can be — with discipline and cloud support.

Tips to Make 64 GB Work for You

7. Use Cloud Storage Regularly

Services like:

• Google Drive (15 GB free)

• iCloud (starts at 5 GB free, expandable)

• Dropbox or OneDrive

These allow you to save large files and access them when needed, without cluttering your iPad.

8. Delete Unused Apps and Files

Audit your apps regularly. If you haven’t used an app in months, delete it. The same goes for old files, videos, or notes you no longer need.

9. Stream Instead of Downloading

Avoid downloading music or Netflix shows unless necessary. Streaming content uses less space — just be mindful of your data plan or Wi-Fi access.

10. Transfer Files to Laptop or External Drives

If you own a laptop or desktop, transfer rarely-used files from your iPad using AirDrop or a USB-C flash drive.

When 64 GB Is Not Enough

11. Heavier Majors Demand More Storage

If you’re majoring in:

• Graphic design

• Architecture

• Engineering

• Video editing

• Computer Science

You’ll likely use large files and powerful apps that require more than 64 GB. For these majors, we recommend going for 128 GB or 256 GB models.

12. Gaming or Heavy App Usage

Apps like games, video editing software, and creative tools like Procreate or Adobe apps take up significant space. If you frequently use such apps, 64 GB will fill up fast.

Best iPad Models with 64 GB for College

13. iPad 10th Gen (64 GB)

• Great for basic tasks

• Affordable

• Apple Pencil (1st Gen) compatible

14. iPad Air (64 GB)

• Lightweight, faster chip

• Supports 2nd Gen Apple Pencil

• Ideal for note-taking, multitasking

Both options work well for general college use if storage is managed properly.

So, Is 64 GB iPad Enough for College?

For many students, the answer is yes. If your daily tasks involve note-taking, document reading, web browsing, and light media consumption, a 64 GB iPad can serve you well. However, if your major involves heavy software use or you love to store media locally, 64 GB might feel restrictive.

So, to wrap it up — is 64 GB iPad enough for college? For light to moderate use, absolutely. Just be mindful of your habits, and make the most of cloud tools and smart file management. If you want to future-proof your investment or avoid juggling space, consider upgrading to 128 GB or higher.

Final Verdict: Choose Based on Your Study Needs

In summary, 64 GB is a good entry point for college students who plan to use their iPads primarily for educational tasks. But before you buy, ask yourself:

• Will I store large files offline?

• Do I need heavy apps?

• Will I use cloud services often?

• Can I regularly manage my storage?

Answering these will help you decide — is 64 GB iPad enough for college or should you opt for more?