• Visit your student financial aid office. Almost every college and university has an office where students can turn for financial help. This office contains everything from books and pamphlets that can demystify credit cards to financial officers who answer your money questions. At the beginning of each school year, many financial aid offices also hold workshops that can help students manage their money. If your school offers such workshops, be sure to attend them. They can help ensure that you spend wisely.

• Ask your credit card company for more information. Most credit card companies offer lots of information - including pamphlets and online information. For students, most card companies offer special instructions and tips designed for new card users. If all else fails, you card company has special representatives who are only a toll-free number away. If you have any questions about your card, these representatives can help.

• Only use one or (at most) two cards. Some students apply for too many cards. Not only does this lower your credit score, but it can also lead to overspending and out-of-control debt. If you need a loan, get a student loan or other type of credit rather than multiple cards.

• Never use one card to pay another. This only increases the amount of interest you have to pay and increases the amount of money and debt you have to pay back.

• Never use credit cards as free cash. Credit cards are a responsibility, not free money. Each time you make a purchase with your credit card, remember that the money needs to be paid back - within a month.

• Do everything you can to pay off your credit card each month. Each time that you carry a balance, you end up paying more money than your purchase was worth.

• Only use your credit card for emergencies or for larger purchases. If you use your credit card to pay for food and small items you do not need, you will fritter away your money and will not have your credit card to use in the event you really need it. If you do have to carry a balance, the tiny purchases will also end up costing a lot, so only charge when you need to.
  
  If you are a student with a new credit card, congratulations - you are on your way to new levels of financial responsibility. If you are just thinking about getting your own credit card, the tips here will help you make the right decision for you.

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