The problem of the development of social activity of the future teacher is actualized by the fact that for society, the creative activity of a teacher is the most important resource that ensures socially significant changes in society, and for the student himself, the manifestation of his social activity is the opportunity to manifest himself as a subject capable of navigating a complex socio-cultural space, in a political, scientific, sports, social, charitable activities. The assessment of the manifestations of students' social activity was carried out on the basis of a survey, expert assessments and observation. The sample consisted of 200 respondents: 48 males and 152 females aged 18 to 22, the 2nd year students in pedagogical programs at Yelets State University named after I.A. Bunin. It was revealed that all respondents note the importance and activity-based nature of social activity and consciously engage in various types of activities, while social and charitable (82%) and sports and health (64%) are priorities for them. Only 2% of respondents consider social activities useless and unpopular. The leading motives of students' participation in public life were determined: awareness of their pertinence (72%), satisfaction with the benefits brought (66%), additional opportunity for professional growth (55%), meeting interesting people (54%). Methodological recommendations for the development of social activity of students in the university are proposed, aimed at creating and implementing organizational and pedagogical conditions that determine the environment for the development of social activity of future teachers. The research is of practical value for specialists who develop content, technologies, management of professional training and education of a future teacher.