The article presents the concept of reading and how this activity is one of the most effective ways to spend free time in the student community. At the same time, the results of an opinion poll on the books that students are used to reading in their free time are reflected. Most students, at this stage, use reading both as a form of recreation and as a way of assimilating information that, later, are useful for accomplishing various intellectual and practical tasks. Thus, the importance of reading for students is highlighted.