In short: most students already use AI, and a large US study found only about 9% used it to cheat. The safest way to use it is as a tutor that explains and quizzes you from your own notes. The core tools are free, and the student offers are mostly limited to the US.
Key points for students
- How many students use AI: a Cornell study of more than 95,000 students found 37% used generative AI at least monthly and about 9% used it to cheat.
- Best uses: brainstorming, tutor style questions and exam practice. The riskiest uses are completing assignments and writing full essays.
- Free AI tools for students: the free tiers of Gemini, ChatGPT, Claude and a notes helper such as Gemini Notebook cost nothing. GitHub Copilot Student is free through GitHub Education.
- Student offers: Google AI Pro is free for 12 months for US students 18 or over until 31 December 2026. The ChatGPT Plus student offer closed on 31 October 2026. Most offers are US only.
- Five rules: read your course AI policy, use your own notes, ask for explanations and quizzes, test yourself without AI, and check facts.
Keep reading
- Is AI Killing Entry-Level Jobs? A 2026 Graduate’s Honest Look
- Can You Start an AI Agency With Zero Skills? A Reality Check
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