# What medical students need.

> A medical student needs a stethoscope, a white coat and scrubs in their college's colours, an iPad with a pencil for study and a light laptop. The core apps are free and the devices come at Apple education prices.

## What medical students need

- A stethoscope: from the moment clinical skills start.
- White coat and scrubs: in the colour and logo your college sets.
- An iPad with a pencil: for lectures, PDFs and atlases in one place.
- A light laptop: for presentations and research; it does not need to be powerful.
- A watch with a second hand, or a smartwatch: to count pulse and breathing in clinical training.
- Comfortable shoes: for labs and long hours standing in hospital.

Some colleges hand out a kit list in year one, so buy to that list. Watches and shoes at student prices are below.


## Do medical students wear scrubs?

It depends on the college and the year. Early years mostly mean a white coat in labs; scrubs become standard with hospital training. Each college sets the colour and logo, so ask student affairs before you buy.


## Best laptop and iPad for medical students

Most medical students study on an iPad with a pencil: lectures, atlases and flashcards on one device. The laptop only needs to be light with long battery life, because medical software does not need a powerful machine. More in iPad and laptop student prices.


## Free and student-priced software for medicine

- Anki: spaced-repetition flashcards. Free on computers and Android; the iPhone app is paid.
- Medscape: drug and disease reference, free after sign-up.
- Saudi Digital Library: medical references and databases for Saudi university students, through your university.
- Office: free with your university email if your university takes part.

And on tiswa, once you verify you are a student:

- Notion offers Notion Education plan for students to university students in Saudi Arabia for free.
- Google AI offers Google AI Plus free for a year to university students in Saudi Arabia.
- Canva offers Canva Pro free through Canva for Campus to university students in Saudi Arabia.


## Questions

### What do medical students need?

The basics: A stethoscope, White coat and scrubs, An iPad with a pencil, A light laptop, A watch with a second hand, or a smartwatch and Comfortable shoes. Your college's own list has the last word.

### What is the best laptop or iPad for medical students?

Most medical students study on an iPad with a pencil: lectures, atlases and flashcards on one device. The laptop only needs to be light with long battery life, because medical software does not need a powerful machine. More in iPad and laptop student prices.

### What software is free for medical students?

Anki, Medscape, Saudi Digital Library, Office, Notion, Google AI and Canva. Most check that you are a student with your university email.

### Do medical students wear scrubs?

It depends on the college and the year. Early years mostly mean a white coat in labs; scrubs become standard with hospital training. Each college sets the colour and logo, so ask student affairs before you buy.

### Is an iPad enough for a medical student instead of a laptop?

For study and notes, usually yes, especially with a pencil and keyboard. Some online exams and research are easier on a laptop, so check what your college asks for.

Sources: https://apps.ankiweb.net/, https://www.medscape.com/, https://sdl.edu.sa/, https://www.apple.com/sa-en-edu/store