The purpose of the article is to reveal the features of changes in the perceptions and behavior of various groups in the education system during the COVID-19 pandemic. The authors analyzed the results of two focus groups conducted in the summer of 2021. Interns of the Scientifi c and Educational Regional Center for Monitoring Research, Gagarin SSTU. As a result, diff erences in the perception of social isolation by students living with families and single people were found.