AI and student success at the University of Leicester

At the University of Leicester, we're helping students use artificial intelligence (AI) responsibly to support their university experience and prepare for future careers. Through our Microsoft-developed Copilot for Life programme, students build practical life skills, strengthen AI literacy, and develop the confidence to thrive at university and beyond.

AI support for student life

University is about much more than lectures, assignments and exams. It is an opportunity to build confidence, develop independence, make connections, and gain the skills needed for everyday life.

At Leicester, artificial intelligence is helping students navigate the transition to university and make the most of their experience. Through our Copilot for Life programme, students learn how to use AI responsibly to support everyday decision-making, problem solving, and personal development.

Whether students are managing a budget, planning meals, organising their time, settling into a new city or exploring new opportunities, AI can act as a helpful companion alongside the University's established student services, wellbeing support, societies, and communities. This innovative approach combines human support with digital tools to enhance the student experience. and develop the confidence to thrive at university and beyond.

How AI supports student success beyond the classroom

We believe AI has the potential to support students far beyond their academic studies.

As part of our wider AI strategy, we are exploring how students can use AI safely, effectively and responsibly to overcome everyday challenges, develop confidence and build lifelong skills. Our aim is not to replace human support, but to help students become more independent, make informed decisions and get the most from their time at university.

Learning life skills with AI

Starting university is exciting, but it can also bring new responsibilities. Many students are managing their finances, daily routines, work commitments and social lives independently for the first time.

Copilot for Life is built around real student experiences and helps students develop practical skills in areas including:

Managing money and budgeting

Students can explore budgeting strategies, understand financial responsibilities and develop habits that promote long-term financial wellbeing.

Living independently

From meal planning and cooking to organising daily responsibilities, AI can help students discover practical ways to manage independent living with greater confidence.

Building confidence and a sense of belonging

University is about finding your place and building connections. We are exploring how AI can help students discover opportunities, engage with campus life and feel part of our diverse university community.

Creating healthy routines

Students can use AI to support planning, organisation and wellbeing, helping them develop positive habits that contribute to academic and personal success.

Exploring Leicester and new opportunities

AI can help students discover the city of Leicester, learn about student clubs and societies, and uncover experiences that enrich university life.

All students will have the opportunity to participate in Microsoft-led training to learn how Microsoft 365 Copilot works and explore practical ways it can support their day-to-day lives.

Building AI literacy from day one

Just as digital literacy became an essential skill for the modern workplace, AI literacy is rapidly becoming an important capability across many professions and industries.

Through initiatives such as Copilot for Life, we help students develop the confidence to use AI effectively, critically and responsibly. Students are encouraged not only to use AI tools, but also to understand when AI can add value, where its limitations exist and why human judgement remains essential.

Our goal is to help every student develop the skills needed to work alongside AI throughout their studies and future careers.

Preparing graduates for an AI-enabled workplace

Employers increasingly value graduates who can work confidently with artificial intelligence. This means more than simply using AI tools. It requires the ability to apply AI responsibly, critically, and effectively in real-world situations.

At the University of Leicester, we are developing graduates who are both AI-capable and future-ready. We are embedding opportunities to build AI literacy throughout the student journey, helping learners understand how AI can support innovation, productivity, and learning while maintaining academic integrity, creativity and independent thinking.

By graduation, our students will have developed the confidence, skills, and judgement needed to succeed in an AI-enabled workplace and contribute to the future of their profession.