New to AI? Start here.
This page shows you, step by step, how to use AI to study smarter — without risking your academic integrity. No jargon. Just what to click, what to type, and how to stay safe.
Why use AI at uni?
- Understand faster: Get plain-English explanations and examples.
- Study actively: Turn notes into quizzes, flashcards, and plans.
- Write better: Improve structure and clarity (you stay the author).
Tip
Think of AI as a coach, not a ghostwriter. It should help you learn — not do the learning for you.
What you need (2 minutes)
- Pick a tool: ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Copilot, or NotebookLM (great for your own PDFs).
- Know the rules: Check your module’s AI policy and the Academic Integrity page.
- Bring materials: Your notes, the brief, and any readings.
Your 5-minute quick start
- Open a chat in your chosen AI tool.
- Paste this setup prompt:
I’m a university student. Act as a supportive study coach. First ask me 3 questions: 1) My module and topic 2) The task (e.g., explain, plan, practise) 3) What I’ve already tried. Then help me step-by-step with short check-ins, and don’t write anything I wouldn’t be allowed to submit. Always flag facts that need verification. - Share your brief (paste key parts) and say what you want to achieve in this session (e.g., “understand theory”, “outline essay”, “revise Week 3”).
- Work in small loops: Ask, get help, try it yourself, then ask for feedback on your attempt.
- Finish well: Ask for a quick checklist of what to verify and what to do next.
Common tasks (copy & paste)
Understand a topic
Explain [topic] like I’m new to it. Use a real-world example. Then give me 5 quiz questions from easy to hard.
Plan an essay
Here’s my brief: “[paste]”. Help me outline a 2000-word essay: sections, key points, and where evidence is needed. Don’t write the essay.
Turn notes into revision
Turn these notes into spaced-repetition flashcards and a 10-question practice quiz with answers. Notes: [paste]
Check my understanding
Read my paragraph and tell me: 1) clarity, 2) logic, 3) what evidence is missing. Keep suggestions specific and brief. Text: [paste]
Want more? See the Prompting Guide.
Using your own sources
To avoid hallucinations, use tools that work directly with your files.
- NotebookLM — chat with your PDFs/slides; check every important answer against its citations.
- Some chatbots let you attach files — always ask for page/paragraph citations.
Good practice
When AI gives a fact, ask: “Show me where that comes from” or “Give the source and page”.
Which AI tool should I pick?
ChatGPT / Copilot
General study help, brainstorming, draft refinement. Some plans support attaching files.
Claude
Long documents, thoughtful explanations, good for editing tone and clarity.
Gemini
Tight Google Docs/Drive integration; handy for slides and quick summaries.
NotebookLM
Best for studying your own materials with citations and audio overviews.
See AI Platforms for pros/cons and choices.
Stay within the rules
- Be transparent: If your module asks, acknowledge how you used AI.
- Don’t submit AI-written text as your own unless your policy explicitly allows it.
- Verify facts & references using reliable sources (library databases, official stats).
Full guidance: Academic Integrity and Limitations & Fact-Checking.
Accessibility & wellbeing
- Ask for audio summaries or bullet versions if reading is tough today.
- Use it to plan short, realistic study sessions (e.g., “help me make a 25-minute plan for Topic X”).
- Prefer step-by-step explanations and practice questions for active learning.
If it’s not helping…
Make your prompt clearer
- Say your level (e.g., first-year, MSc) and the exact topic.
- Tell it what format you want: bullets, table, 3 steps, 5 quiz questions.
- Paste the assignment brief and your notes.
Reduce errors
- Ask for sources or page numbers; double-check them.
- Use NotebookLM to ground answers in your PDFs.
- Split big tasks into small steps and verify each step.
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