A study of personal characteristics of the 1-st year students of NGPU studied at Novosibirsk and Kuybishev to assess their personal potential, depending on area of residence was performed. It was shown the existence of common personality traits in students, characterizing the high level of their life potential and also the presence of differences related to living conditions. Students at Novosibirsk have more pronounced level of reflection, resilience, life satisfaction, self-determination, and the perceived authenticity of the selection, orientation, career and professional development, while students at Kuybishev have higher level of purpose, self-organization and physical health. The results can be the basis for the organization of educational process based on identified personal characteristics of students.