You’ve got finals, texts to answer, snaps to open, people to please, and a brain that won’t turn off.

It’s a lot.

Enter: ChatGPT. Think of it like your chillest, smartest concierge who’s available 24/7.

But only if you know how to use it well.

I've started using ChatGPT as a second brain (instead of using is as my brain, which just annoyed me and frustrated me), and it has been lifechanging. And this is coming from an English major and former English teacher.

Here are 10 genius ways to make ChatGPT your secret weapon for college life: from studying to soft life scheduling.

1. Tell it who you are

Start every convo with details and context. Don't hold back. This helps ChatGPT give you more specific, helpful answers. When I ask ChatGPT for help with anything, I literally use the voice option and yap. Tell it all the details!

Try this:
“You’re my study partner who is honest and kind and I’m a tired, overthinking sophomore who procrastinates and panics a little too often. Help me focus. But don't be too harsh but I do need to hear the truth.”

2. Ask for a specific vibe

Want your paper to sound smart but not robotic or too textbook-like? Want a flirty-but-not-sleazy text reply? Tell ChatGPT your tone.

Try this:
“Make this sound like I’m a well-read college girl who drinks iced matcha and uses big vocab but still has a sense of humor.”

3. Use it for emotional resets

ChatGPT isn’t life coaching, but it can give you tools to regulate your mind and body.

Try this:
“Give me a 3-minute journal prompt to help calm my anxiety before class.”
Or
“What’s one breathing technique I can use when I’m spiraling?”

4. Make it teach you like you

Skip the boring textbook language when you ask for explanations of tough material. Make ChatGPT explain things in a way your brain will actually absorb.

Try this:
“Explain photosynthesis like I’m running on no sleep but need to pass this quiz.”
Or
“Break down macroeconomics using Taylor Swift album metaphors.”

5. Build your own finals study plan (or a plan for anything, really)

Don’t know where to start? Let ChatGPT map it out.

Try this:
“Make me a finals week study plan for three subjects with brain breaks, snacks, and time to scroll TikTok.” Hint: you can even tell it to create this in a spreadsheet or flowchart for easy reading.

6. Edit your writing, but keep your unique voice

ChatGPT is the best lowkey editor when you don’t want to sound like a robot or NPC.

Try this:
“Proofread this email, but keep it sounding like a smart, focused college girl who really does care.”

7. Beat perfectionism by asking for a ‘B+ version’

Sometimes we just need to start. Perfect isn't possible anyway.

Try this:
“Give me a B+ version of this essay intro so I stop overthinking and just write something.” Hint: copy and paste the essay assignment prompt and also yap about what you're thinking when you're brainstorming. It helps!

8. Break the panic spiral into steps

Big tasks feel impossible when you’re anxious. Ask ChatGPT to break it down into manageable steps.

Try this:
“I have a paper, laundry, and a quiz. Break it into a 3-step plan that feels doable, not stressful.”

9. Reframe your inner critic’s voice

You can use ChatGPT to literally reprogram the way you talk to yourself.

Try this:
“My brain is saying I’m lazy and failing. Can you rewrite that in the voice of a supportive life coach like Suzanne?”

10. Create Your Own Soft Life Schedule

Let ChatGPT help you build a daily rhythm that supports your peace and productivity.

Try this:
“Make me a soft life schedule with time for a slow morning, cozy study blocks, creative breaks, and a romantic walk to Starbucks.”

Bonus Tip: Delete the Dash — Please!

If ChatGPT ever gives you responses with the double dash “—”... just know it’s giving robot. That's called the "em dash" btw. No one uses it as much as ChatGPT and it's such a red flag.

I'm not even going to remind you to delete your ChatGPT prompts before copying and pasting into assignments and turning them in. Come ON people!!

Ask:
“Can you rewrite this using normal punctuation, no dashes?”
Or delete them yourself so you don’t sound like your essay was ghostwritten by a 47-year-old professor. You’re too cool for that.

ChatGPT is smart and incredibly useful, especially when you use it as a second brain and not your own brain. I do encourage using it for that, and I give props to ChatGPT for helping me feel creative when my creative juices aren't flowing.

But pairing it with the kind of emotional support and encouragement you actually need? That’s where I come in. You need a real human and real connection: someone who can look you in the eyes and who notices your subtle changes.

If you’re a high-functioning college girl who feels overwhelmed, I get it. I’ve coached dozens of girls just like you, and you don’t have to keep doing this alone.

✨ Book your free mini session now. I can't wait to meet you and support you!

Click HERE for FREE Mini Coaching Session with Suzanne