Abstract: The study tells about the mechanisms of constructing social and cultural reality in the process of socialization of young people on the example of the student self-government. The research base is represented by the activities of the student self-government at the Mari State University. Organization of student self-government is viewed from three perspectives: socio-cultural, legal, economic. The study also examines the structure of student self-government, the target audience (students and graduates of vocational educational institutions), the form (public organization, public movement, body of public initiative), the dynamics of development. The analysis of the Development Program of Activities of Student Associations shows econonic aspects of this program within the Mari State University and Kazan Federal University. The study notes that one of the conditions for successful implementation of the student self-government programs could be registration of student associations as a legal entity.