Truancy at universities has risen sharply, with a report from the Higher Education Policy Institute (Hepi) indicating that 52% of undergraduates in the UK missed at least one lecture in 2025, compared to 37% in 2006. The study surveyed 10,000 students and found that those who missed classes averaged 5 hours of missed lectures weekly, a notable increase from 3 hours in 2006. The increase in truancy is attributed to students balancing work commitments, with 66% of undergraduates holding jobs during term time, up from 39% in 2019. This trend is exacerbated by rising living costs and a growing number of students from less affluent backgrounds. The report highlights that students working over 20 hours a week struggle to maintain attendance and engagement. Additionally, 21% of surveyed students expressed dissatisfaction with their teaching hours, and many felt their courses did not provide good value for money. The report raises critical questions about the quality of university education amid financial pressures and technological changes.