Opportunities for solidarity and consolidation of students on the basis of university student associations in the conditions of modern political reality

Introduction. The relevance of the research is mainly due to the need to consolidate and solidarize the modern Russian students in the interests of the state and society development, especially in the context of the current social, political and economic turbulence of the current time. The purpose of the article is to identify the potential of solidarity and consolidation of students through their involvement in the activities of student organizations and associations (using the example of universities of the consortium of universities “Upper Volga - the Territory of innovation”). Materials and Methods. The research is based on two theoretical and methodological approaches: the theory of collective action and the theory of collective identity. The empirical basis of the research is the data arrays obtained during a series of 12 focus group interviews among university students of the consortium of universities “Upper Volga - the Territory of innovation” and interviews with experts who directly interact with students or study the problems of modern Russian students. Results. The study has revealed a significant potential of student associations for consolidation and solidarity of students through extracurricular activities. However, it also has made it possible to identify a number of deficits that reduce their effectiveness in this direction, the overcoming of which seems relevant in the modern social and political situation. Discussion and Conclusion. Student and youth associations are an important institution for the consolidation and solidarization of Russian students. They form not only value-orientational attitudes, which a significant part of young people can accept and include in the concept of their own worldview, but are also able to organize various forms of activity for the practical activities of Russian students. The results of the study will be useful for improving the effectiveness of the work of youth public associations with students, as well as student associations in universities, involving young people in the activities of youth public organizations and consolidating Russian students in the interests of the country’s development.