Growing up in the recession is leading more students starting university this autumn wanting to set up their own business when they graduate, say researchers at HSBC’s Canary Wharf HQ.

They have grown up with years of slow economic growth and a tough job market and are “more entrepreneurial” than older students.

The bank found 24 per cent wanting to work for themselves, with one-in-10 even planning to set up their own business.

“Many were 12 or 13 when the financial crisis hit in 2008,” the bank’s Andy Mielczarek explained.

“Tuition fees have risen as well, so it’s only natural they want to maximise their return on education investment.”

Students are also choosing more vocational subjects. The bank found 76pc applying this year for vocational courses, compared to 66pc previously. These include medicine up by 18pc, engineering up 35pc and nursing up 107pc.

On average, those currently at university feel it will take them four months to get a graduate position, while this year’s intake is slightly more optimistic.

But those yet to attend university are less confident over pay levels, however. They expect to get £25,800, compared to current students expecting £27,000—although both may be disappointed, HSBC points out, as the average graduate salary in 2012 was only £21,700.