New HEPI and TechnologyOne Report ‘What Matters Most? 20 years of the student experience’

A major new HEPI report, published with TechnologyOne, reveals how the student experience has changed over the past two decades.

Drawing on 20 years of data from the Student Academic Experience Survey, the report shows that while 63% of students attended all their scheduled classes in 2006, that figure had fallen to just 48% by 2025. The average amount of teaching missed each week has more than doubled, with many students now balancing study alongside growing financial pressures and paid work commitments.

The report also uncovers powerful links between belonging, wellbeing and perceptions of value for money. Students who feel part of their university community and comfortable expressing their views are significantly more likely to say their course is worth the cost, while those who feel disconnected are far more likely to report that university has failed to meet their expectations. The lingering impact of the pandemic is also evident, with students most affected by COVID continuing to report lower perceptions of value throughout their studies.

Yet despite huge changes in higher education, the report’s central conclusion is remarkably consistent: students still place the highest value on excellent teaching, meaningful in-person interaction and a strong sense of community. Combining two decades of evidence with fresh analysis of what really shapes the student experience, this report offers one of the clearest pictures yet of how university life has evolved – and highlights the factors that most strongly shape whether students feel engaged, supported and satisfied with their experience. Click here to read the press release and find a link to the full report.