Most devices can now be protected by full disk encryption. This is often enabled by default or may require action by the owner to activate.
Encryption protects University and personal data if your computer is lost or stolen. Without encryption, if someone steals your computer they can very easily read information by taking our the disk and attaching it to their own computer. Then they have full access to all of your files.
Encryption also protects information if your laptop breaks. Even though you may not be able to delete the files at least they are safely encrypted.