Endsleigh’s 2013 Student Survey, carried out by the National Union of Students, found the overwhelming majority owns a laptop or net book (96%), while the percentage using a smartphone has jumped from 80% to 90%. iPhones are the most popular (40%), followed by Android phones (35%) and BlackBerry (14%).

One in four students now owns an iPad – up 147% on last year.

The report also found that students are investing far more in digital files for their devices, with the average student possessing £715 worth of digital music (up 85% on 2012) and over £200 on online journals and textbooks.

However, students are still using apps on their devices more for social than work purposes, with the most commonly used apps being: Facebook (89%), YouTube (81%), Google Maps (70%) and Twitter (49%).

The number of students taking bulkier technology to university has dropped, with only 20% of students now owning a separate TV (down 17% on 2012), only 17% of students owning stereo equipment (down 22% on 2012) and only 12% of students seeing the need for a games console (down 24% on 2012).

Sara Newell, manager of student markets at Endsleigh, said: “Our research shows that, as technology improves and gadgets become more and more multi-functional, students are relying on just a few portable devices both for work and play.

“From listening to music, watching films and taking photos, to using these gadgets for reading text books digitally, or making lecture notes, these high-tech devices have become an everyday part of student life.”