Uni Hacks is a new series, sharing tips and tricks to help you save time, feel more productive and make the most of your time at Manchester.
As a University of Manchester student, you probably have an overflowing inbox that can be difficult to manage. However, by using some simple tricks, you can take control of your Outlook inbox and have more time to focus on what’s important.
1. Create Outlook web folders
Instead of relying on the default Inbox, Junk, Drafts, Sent, and Deleted Items folders, you can create new folders to sort your messages. This can include folders for each of your course units or newsletters you receive or even folders like actioned or to follow up. Find a system that works best for you!
To create a folder, select ‘New folder’ at the bottom of the folder list, enter the name, and press Enter.
2. Use rules to organise your emails automatically
By creating automatic sorting rules, you can move certain emails to specific folders as soon as you receive them. For example, you can move all newsletters to a ‘Newsletters’ folder or emails from your academics to the relevant course unit folder. Follow the steps here to get creative with your inbox rules.
3. Flag emails as important – or not
Not all emails are equally important, some require a response or action. By using the ‘flag’ feature in Outlook, you can mark emails that are important and easily see which emails still require follow-up. Great to help you keep on top of your inbox during busy periods!
4. Pin an email to the top of your inbox
If you want to keep an email easily accessible, you can pin it to the top of your inbox by right-clicking on the email and selecting ‘Pin.’ This is a useful way to save important information like assessment information. There’s a short video explaining how to pin emails here.
If you want to keep an email super-accessible, you can pin it the top of your inbox by right clicking on the email and selecting ‘Pin’ – this is a great way to save important info like your course timetable.
5. Create a signature with your student ID number in it
If you’re emailing a team or service at the University, chances are they’ll need your student ID number to access your record. Avoid having to type your ID number out time and time again by creating an automatic email signature with your ID number in it, using these simple steps.
6. Make checking your emails a habit
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by your inbox. We recommend scheduling time into your routine to check and reply to your emails a habit. Rather than seeing emails come in throughout the day, why not try checking them at dedicated times in the morning, afternoon and before you log off for the day. This will not only help you stay on top of your inbox but help you to find a good work / life balance too – win, win!
We hope these hacks help you take control of your Outlook inbox and have more time to focus on what’s important.