The article is based on results of the SPbPU students’ research. The survey was carried out through questionnaires of 540 students at the age of 17–23. The questionnaire included questions about students attitude to different extracurricular activities, to students union and questions about their expectations, problems and needs. students distribution of answers calculation became the basis of the research. We identify the weak involvement of student in non-learning activities and the fact, that at the same time they nominate their high requirements for the organizational activities of the university and the student union. Also it was find high prevalence of opinion that organizational activities should engage students, despite the fact that only half of the respondents included in the student unions and other student organizations.