Effective planning and time management are crucial for success in both personal and professional life. The University of Minnesota (U of M) calendar is a valuable tool for students, faculty, and staff to stay organized and on track. However, to maximize its potential, it's essential to know how to use it efficiently. In this article, we will explore 10 UMN calendar hacks to help you plan better and make the most out of your time.
Understanding the UMN Calendar
The UMN calendar is a web-based application that allows users to create and manage their schedules, set reminders, and share events with others. It is integrated with other UMN tools and services, making it a central hub for planning and organization. To get the most out of the UMN calendar, it’s essential to understand its features and functionality.
Navigating the Calendar Interface
The UMN calendar interface is user-friendly and intuitive. The main screen displays a monthly view of your schedule, with the ability to toggle between day, week, and month views. You can also customize the layout to suit your preferences. The top menu bar provides access to various features, including creating new events, managing calendars, and setting preferences.
One of the key features of the UMN calendar is its ability to integrate with other tools and services. For example, you can link your calendar to your UMN email account, allowing you to receive reminders and notifications directly in your inbox. You can also connect your calendar to other external calendars, such as Google Calendar or Apple Calendar, to keep all your schedules in sync.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Calendar Views | Day, week, month, and year views |
| Event Creation | Create new events, including recurring events and reminders |
| Calendar Management | Manage multiple calendars, including shared and external calendars |
| Integration | Integrate with UMN email, external calendars, and other tools |
10 UMN Calendar Hacks for Better Planning
Now that we’ve covered the basics of the UMN calendar, let’s dive into 10 hacks to help you plan better and make the most out of your time.
Hack 1: Use Color-Coding to Organize Your Schedule
Color-coding is a powerful way to visually organize your schedule. You can assign different colors to different types of events, such as classes, meetings, or personal appointments. This helps you quickly identify patterns and conflicts in your schedule.
Hack 2: Set Reminders and Notifications
Reminders and notifications are essential for staying on track. You can set reminders for upcoming events, and receive notifications when someone invites you to a meeting or event. Make sure to customize your reminder settings to fit your needs.
Hack 3: Use Recurring Events to Streamline Your Schedule
Recurring events are a great way to streamline your schedule. You can create recurring events for regular meetings, classes, or appointments, and set them to repeat at the same time each week or month.
Hack 4: Share Your Calendar with Others
Sharing your calendar with others is a great way to collaborate and coordinate schedules. You can share your calendar with colleagues, classmates, or family members, and set permissions to control what they can see and do.
Hack 5: Use the UMN Calendar App
The UMN calendar app is a mobile app that allows you to access your calendar on-the-go. You can download the app on your smartphone or tablet, and use it to view your schedule, create new events, and receive notifications.
Hack 6: Integrate Your Calendar with Other UMN Tools
The UMN calendar integrates with other UMN tools and services, such as email, Canvas, and Moodle. You can link your calendar to these tools to receive reminders and notifications, and to access your schedule from within other applications.
Hack 7: Use Calendar Templates to Save Time
Calendar templates are pre-designed calendars that you can use to quickly create new events and schedules. You can find calendar templates for common events, such as meetings, classes, and appointments, and customize them to fit your needs.
Hack 8: Set Boundaries with Calendar Blocking
Calendar blocking is a technique where you schedule large blocks of time for focused work or study. This helps you avoid distractions and stay on track. You can use calendar blocking to schedule dedicated time for projects, studying, or personal activities.
Hack 9: Use the Calendar to Set Goals and Reminders
The UMN calendar is not just for scheduling events - it’s also a great tool for setting goals and reminders. You can create events to remind you of upcoming deadlines, milestones, or tasks, and set goals for yourself to stay motivated and focused.
Hack 10: Regularly Review and Update Your Calendar
Finally, it’s essential to regularly review and update your calendar to ensure it remains accurate and relevant. You can set aside time each week or month to review your schedule, update your events, and make adjustments as needed.
What is the UMN calendar?
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The UMN calendar is a web-based application that allows users to create and manage their schedules, set reminders, and share events with others.
How do I access the UMN calendar?
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You can access the UMN calendar by logging in to your UMN email account and clicking on the calendar link.
Can I share my UMN calendar with others?
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Yes, you can share your UMN calendar with others by setting permissions and inviting them to view or edit your calendar.
How do I set reminders and notifications in the UMN calendar?
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You can set reminders and notifications in the UMN calendar by clicking on the event and selecting the reminder option. You can also customize your reminder settings to fit your needs.
Can I use the UMN calendar on my mobile device?
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Yes, you can use the UMN calendar on your mobile device by downloading the UMN calendar app.
