OPINION: Students in Portsmouth are turning to AI more than you think
Students in Portsmouth are turning to AI for help
From revising for exams to breaking down complex topics, AI is rapidly becoming part of everyday student life across the UK. As academic pressures continue to rise and digital tools become more accessible, students are increasingly turning to AI not just for writing support, but for a much broader range of educational needs.
Whether it’s summarising lecture notes, generating revision plans, explaining difficult concepts, or helping with research, AI-powered tools are reshaping how students learn. What was once seen as a niche or controversial shortcut is now emerging as a mainstream study companion, particularly among younger, tech-savvy learners.
A new study by 5app analysed Google search behaviour to identify which UK and Irish cities are most actively exploring AI-assisted essay writing. Researchers adjusted search volumes for population size to calculate the number of AI-related essay searches per 10,000 residents, highlighting where AI use is concentrated.
Portsmouth records 36.41 AI-assisted essay searches per 10,000 residents, placing it in the mid-to-lower tier of the rankings compared with other UK cities. While not among the very top performers, it still shows a meaningful level of engagement with AI tools in an academic context.
The data suggests that students and learners in Portsmouth are steadily incorporating AI into their study habits, using it for tasks such as summarising material, generating ideas, and supporting revision. Search trends like “AI essay writer” and “how to use AI for essays” indicate practical, everyday usage rather than heavy reliance.
What stands out about Portsmouth is that its level of engagement is consistent with a typical university city, reflecting a balanced adoption of AI tools across its student population. This suggests that AI-assisted learning is becoming a normal part of academic life rather than a niche behaviour.
Commenting on the findings, Philip Huthwaite, spokesperson for 5app, said the data shows a clear shift in how students are using AI in their everyday studies, with many now treating it as a regular part of how they learn, revise, and get to grips with coursework.
“Students aren’t just trying AI out anymore, it’s becoming part of how they actually study day to day,” he said. “Across the UK, it’s clear that AI is turning into something students lean on regularly, whether that’s for understanding topics, planning essays, or getting revision ideas together.”
He added that the way students use these tools is becoming more practical and study-focused. “It’s not just about writing essays for them. A lot of students are using AI to make sense of difficult topics, organise their thoughts, and get revision sorted in a way that feels quicker and easier. The data suggests it’s becoming a normal part of studying, not just a shortcut.”