In a significant step for AI and education, the ChatGPT Lab — an initiative by OpenAI — has expanded to include 45 campuses where students are leading structured conversations about how AI is shaping their academic lives, study habits, and future careers. The expansion reflects growing interest among young learners to discuss not just how they use AI, but what it means for learning and work.
What Is ChatGPT Lab and How It Started
ChatGPT Lab began in March 2025 with a small group of 30 undergraduates brought together by OpenAI to explore both practical and philosophical questions about AI usage. These included how students use AI in daily life, how it affects study routines, and what skills will matter in an AI-dominated world. The format — an open and informal “space for conversation” — struck a chord. Students found value not only in sharing their AI habits, but in hearing peers reflect and re-evaluate their relationship with technology.
Student-Led Conversations Are Spreading — On 45 Campuses
With the first wave of success, ChatGPT Lab has scaled rapidly: it now spans 45 campuses where students are hosting their own AI-themed discussions. These sessions are organised by students themselves, often distributing a set of 100 conversation prompts created by the early Lab participants. The prompts help structure discussions — ranging from practical uses (like study planning, research, productivity) to deeper topics (AI ethics, future of work, creative thinking).
Sample Campus Activities
- At one university, a junior reportedly distributed copies of the 100-prompt guide and sparked informal group talks. She observed that many who previously had “preconceived notions about AI and ChatGPT” became open to discussion.
- Another campus ran an “AI on Campus” session that evolved into six weeks of round-table discussions, covering themes like learning habits, creativity, and career aspirations.
Why ChatGPT Lab Matters for Education and Students?
With ChatGPT Lab, students aren’t just passive users of AI — they become active participants, reflecting on how AI intersects with their academic journeys and future careers. This kind of peer-led, open discussion:
- Encourages AI literacy — students dissect both the benefits and risks of AI use.
- Helps build critical thinking and ethical awareness, especially around issues like academic integrity and responsible AI usage.
- Provides a supportive community for sharing real experiences, concerns and ideas — beyond just tutorials and tech rollouts.
At a time when AI tools are rapidly entering classrooms worldwide (as seen in broader deployments through ChatGPT Edu and other offerings), ChatGPT Lab offers a complementary approach: focusing on human perspectives, reflection, and community dialogue, rather than just technology adoption.
What’s Next — Can This Reach India?
Given that education-AI interest is growing globally — and that there’s already a push in India through initiatives aiming to make AI tools accessible to schools and colleges — a model like ChatGPT Lab could be valuable for Indian campuses too. It offers a way for students to engage proactively with AI, rather than just consume it.
If you’re part of a college or university, it might be worth exploring whether your institution can host a ChatGPT Lab session — and begin the conversation around AI’s role in learning, ethics, and future careers.
Follow KollegeApply for the latest updates on College Admissions, Courses, Exam Dates, Results, Scholarships, Career Guidance, Education News, and Policy Changes — everything needed to stay ahead in the education journey
