As we start a fresh new semester, using a digital calendar can be an immense help with your time management. Here are tips to get started, and if you already use a digital calendar, maximize your use of it! Because Colby uses Google Suite, this advice specifically relates to Google calendar – but similar options exist with most any digital calendar.  Most professional settings use digital calendars, so get familiar with them now!

WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR CALENDAR

CLASS TIMES. Add each of your classes and lab sessions to your calendar. But you don’t have to add each one manually! When adding your first History class, for example, look for the phrase “Does not repeat.” You have the option to change that to a “recurring event,” occuring weekly. You can also pick an end date, which should be the last class session of the semester. If your professor cancels any class, you can delete it from your calendar — but be sure to cancel “only this event” rather than “this and following events” or “all events.”

MEAL & SLEEP TIMES. To be at your best, you need to make healthy choices, including making time for breakfast, lunch, and dinner as well as sleep. So, schedule mealtimes and sleeping time on your calendar to help remind you to maintain healthy habits.

“DOWN” TIME. You need time to recharge your batteries, so make sure to earmark some time for leisure/mental decompression. Yes, actually schedule it! That will help you stick to it.

ASSIGNMENT DUE DATES. Since you have many writing assignments, exams, problem sets, and other academic work due at many different times, enter each one into your calendar so that you can schedule your time effectively — and not miss any deadlines.

STUDY TIME. In order to keep up with your work, you need to schedule regular study time. For most courses, you’ll need about 2-3 hours per credit hour a week. That’s right — you should practice, review, and study even in those weeks when you don’t have a test. 

SOCIAL/CLUB/SPORT EVENTS. Adding your extracurricular activities to your calendar is important to show you when you’re busy, and also to let you see if you are overcommitting yourself. Further, if a sporting event takes place during a scheduled class time, you should contact your professor well ahead of time to make any necessary arrangements. 

BIRTHDAYS & HOLIDAYS. Add your friends’ and family birthdays so you don’t miss any celebrations. Google also lets you add national holiday calendars, so you can add the “Holidays in United States” events — or holidays for any other religion or country (which is essential if you will be traveling and/or studying abroad).

GOOGLE CALENDAR TIPS

COLOR CODE. You can make each of your classes display with a different color in your calendar if you find that helpful. Alternatively, you can have one color for class time, another color for assignment due dates/times, and yet another color for social events. Make it work for your needs and preferences!

CREATE REMINDERS. Rather than create a reminder manually for every event, adjust the settings to create reminders for all events. From your calendar, click the gear icon in the top right corner and select “Settings.” On the left side, you’ll see “Settings for my Calendars,” where you can click on your calendar. Scroll to “Event Notifications” and click “Add Notification.” You have a choice of whatever suits you best — but be aware that you can add multiple reminders. For example, you can set a 30-minute reminder and a 10-minute reminder.

NEED A DAILY AGENDA? Google has an option to receive a list of your calendar events as an email each morning. If you’d like to enable that, go to “Settings for my Calendars” (see above). Then, under “Other Notifications,” find “Daily Agenda” and select “Email.” 

ADD ATTACHMENTS TO EVENTS. When creating a calendar event, there is a space to enter notes. Click the paper clip icon to add an attachment . This can, for instance, help your study group members have access to the same information via their calendars.

FURTHER RESOURCES 

Google Support. “Get Started With Google Calendar.” 

Alexander, Anson. “How to Use Google Calendar Effectively in 2023.” YouTube. 2023.