Leicester launches AI student helper as it pushes to lead the sector on responsible AI

The University of Leicester has launched a new AI-powered agent to help students settle into university life, as it advances its ambition to be at the leading edge of artificial intelligence in higher education. 

Welcome Helper, available through the University’s Citizen student app, gives new students a conversational way to find trusted information about joining Leicester, completing essential tasks, attending Welcome events and making the city their home. 

The launch is the first University agent released since Leicester announced its major collaboration with Microsoft in June 2026, becoming one of the UK’s first Microsoft Frontier Universities and among the first to provide Microsoft 365 Copilot access to all students and staff. 

It is part of a wider push at Leicester to put responsible AI, employability and student experience at the heart of university life. 

From September 2026, Leicester will guarantee at least 100 hours of employer-informed, work-related learning on every eligible undergraduate degree, helping students build the skills, confidence and experience employers increasingly value. 

Recent analysis in The Sunday Times Good University Guide also highlighted Leicester’s momentum in artificial intelligence, employability and student experience, including a top 20 ranking for the wider experience in its analysis of the National Student Survey. 

Geoff Green, Registrar and Secretary at the University of Leicester, said: “Leicester is determined to be at the leading edge of artificial intelligence in higher education, and Welcome Helper is a practical example of what that means for students. 

“This is not AI for its own sake. It is about using trusted, responsible technology to improve the student experience, help students access the information they need and give them the confidence to use emerging tools from the start of their university journey. 

“Alongside our wider commitment to employability, including at least 100 hours of employer-informed, work-related learning, this is part of how we are preparing Leicester students for a world of work increasingly shaped by AI.” 

Welcome Helper draws on information from the University’s Welcome website, which brings together new starter checklists, arrival guidance, Welcome events and advice to help students settle into the University community. 

Rather than searching through different parts of the website, students can ask Welcome Helper questions and receive information based on published University guidance. 

The Citizen app already gives students access to key University information, including timetables, calendars, news and events, support services and useful links. 

Students can access Welcome Helper through the Citizen app from Monday 21 September.