Automatic replies are used whenever you're unable to respond to email for an extended period of time. After automatic replies are turned on, they'll be sent once to each sender.
The process is very similar whether you are using Office 365 or Outlook. You only need to set the automatic reply in one of them.
Setting up an automatic reply in Office 365
1. Click on the settings cog
2. Select the Automatic replies options from settings list
(alternatively use the search box to find it)
3. In the Automatic replies window check the Send automatic replies button, choose the dates and times between which you want the reply to be sent, and type the message. You can have separate messages for those within the university and external contacts
4. When you are happy with the message or messages select OK to confirm
Setting up an automatic reply in Outlook
1. In Outlook desktop select the File tab
2. Choose Automatic Replies
3. In the Automatic replies window check the Send automatic replies button, choose the dates and times between which you want the reply to be sent, and type the message. You can have separate messages for those within the university and external contacts
4. When you are happy with the message or messages select OK to confirm
