The authors refer to the question of adaptation of first-year students to educational activity in higher education. We give a definition of socialization, since the problem of adaptation is inextricably linked to the socialization of students. On the basis of the process of adaptation of the different interpretations of scientists author gives definition of this notion in the article. Attention is paid to the specifics of the adaptation process. The authors point to the mental neoplasms and factors maladjustment first-year students, the most important of which are referred to as emotional distress and motivational factors. The success of the adaptation process of students in the initial stage of learning in higher education, according to the authors, depends largely on its maintenance, which can carry a tutor. We consider the etymology of the word "tutor" and the history of the emergence tyutorskoy activities in educational practice. The authors define the problem tyutorskoy activity and indicate the factors and criteria for successful adaptation of university students.