Cloud Storage and File Organisation

Organising your files properly helps you:

• Always find the right version of your work quickly.
• Avoid submitting the wrong draft by mistake.
• Prevent losing work due to files saved in the wrong place.
• Save time when switching between devices — OneDrive keeps everything synced.
• Work more professionally — good digital organisation is a key skill in university and the workplace.

• Saving files all over the place — desktop, downloads, USB, email attachments — no clear folder system.
• Confusing local vs cloud storage — saving files on a campus computer desktop (which is not backed up) instead of OneDrive.
• Multiple versions everywhere — “Final.docx,” “FinalFINAL.docx,” “ThisOneForReal.docx.”
• Using file names like “Essay” or “Draft” without context — no clue what version it is.
• Not using folders — everything dumped into OneDrive root with no structure.

• Save all your university work to OneDrive — not to desktop, downloads, or USB drives.
• Set up a simple folder structure — e.g., a main folder called "Abertay" or "University," then subfolders for each module or project.
• Name files clearly — e.g., “Essay1_Smith_June2025.docx” not “Essay.docx.”
• Check that OneDrive is syncing properly — look for the green tick icon.
• Keep personal and university files separate within OneDrive to avoid confusion.

These Microsoft help guides show you how to upload, sync, and manage files using OneDrive: 

• Create files with OneDrive

• Open OneDrive and upload files

• Organize your files in OneDrive

• Manage your files in OneDrive

• Make a folder for each module — this keeps your work clear and easy to find.
• Name files with dates or project names — e.g., “LabReport2_Smith.docx.”
• Check that OneDrive is syncing — look for the green tick in File Explorer.
• Don’t save files to desktop — use OneDrive so your work is backed up and accessible anywhere.
• Regularly tidy your files — delete old drafts or move them into an “Archive” folder to reduce clutter.