Use Claude like the tool it actually is -- not just a chatbot you throw questions at.

After reading this, you'll know how to set up Claude as a proper study system: organised by course, structured for real academic work, and smart enough to remember how you like things done.

What you need before starting:

• A Claude account (free works, Pro is better for heavy use)
• Your course syllabus, lecture notes, or past papers (PDF or text)
• 30 minutes to set everything up

What is Claude?

Claude is Anthropic's AI assistant. Think of it as a smarter alternative to ChatGPT -- but built differently.

Where ChatGPT gives you quick, generic answers, Claude is built for longer reasoning, nuanced writing, and following complex instructions. It handles academic work better because it was trained to think before it responds.

It also has features most AI tools don't: Projects, Memory, Writing Styles, and Artifacts.

Claude's models

• Haiku -- fast and lightweight. Good for quick questions and summaries.
• Sonnet -- balanced. Best for most academic work. This is the free plan default.
• Opus -- deepest reasoning. Best for complex essays and research. Pro only.

Sonnet handles 90% of student work. Pick based on the task, not the hype.

How to create your account

1. Go to claude.ai and sign up. Google login works.
2. The free plan gives you Sonnet, Projects, Memory, Writing Styles, and Artifacts. That's more than most students will ever need.
3. Pro is $20/month if you want Opus and unlimited Projects. Start free. Upgrade when you hit limits.