The aim of the study was to determine the level of selected individual characteristics, defning competencies of studying among men beginning their studies in the Józef Piłsudski University of Physical Education in Warsaw. Students revealed signifcantly different profle of psychological characteristics from the average population. They are characterized by high levels of fluid intelligence, but a low openness to experience. Students of University of Physical Education are extrovert and emotionally stable, conscientious and conciliatory. They have a high level of self-esteem, especially in the feld of vitality and leadership, and are characterized by a relatively high social and emotional intelligence. These properties (except for low openness to new experiences) seem to increase the effciency of studying at the faculty of sport and of physical education.