There is a rising tendency for students in higher education not to attend lectures. Therefore, the aim of the study was to describe the reasoning behind nursing students' decisions on whether or not to attend lectures. This qualitative study was performed in a nursing education programme at a Swedish University. One hundred and thirty-one students participated. Data were collected through a questionnaire comprising open-ended questions. Qualitative content analysis was performed. The results are presented in eight categories: four concerning "reasons for attending lectures" and four concerning "reasons for not attending lectures." Decisions, both to attend and to not attend lectures, were based on conscious choices guided by the students' self-governing of their own personal needs for learning.