Student credit cards can be a huge helping hand as kids head off to school and venture out into the world on their own. But with such freedom comes responsibility and oftentimes, freedom, campus parties and responsibility don’t mix too well. I’ll show you how to make the best choice for yourself as you venture off into the world of college and Kraft dinner. I’ve been there and it can be a fun but scary place as you head out on your own. Living on campus away from the folks it takes a lot of initiative and courage to live frugally and responsibly.

I never had folks who could bail me out if I made a mess of my finances, so that was additional incentive for me to behave well with my student credit card. So let me help you to make the most of the choices you will no doubt be inundated with as you head to campus. It is a busy enough time to be adjusting to student life to have to burden yourself with any additional debt and worries of a financial nature.

The first thing you need to be aware of is not to get involved in the hype. Frosh week and all the parties and activities your first year will likely get you into such a frantic and crazy state that you could be liable to make mistakes this early in the game.

Be especially cautious about the wolves in sheep’s clothing. I’m talking about all the student credit card booths that will be set up to tempt you with the wildest and most outlandish goodies that you can possibly get anywhere. And the best part is that all this swag is free. Don’t fall for it friends. Free here comes with a huge price tag down the road.

Hopefully the Credit Cardholders’ Bill of Rights will soon be in effect and protect you from yourself to a degree. But do not rely on it. My best piece of advice for you is to do your shopping online for a student credit card. This way you’ll be able to do your due diligence and research and really figure out what best suits your needs.

What I did, and I think it’ll work well for most students is to focus on what the real value of a credit card is for you. It is likely to be used to help you start building your credit, so that down the road a few years when you’ve got that job you studied so hard for you’ll be able to get great rates on car financing and mortgages. This is critically important. This is the time when the good old philosophy of less is more comes into play.

Less here means in several areas. Make your credit limit less than what you might be tempted to ask for. And look for student credit cards that have less or no annual fees attached. It is true that you might lose out on some of the bells and whistles like points or air travel reward miles. But student life was never meant to be luxurious.

It is your time when you are putting in your apprenticeship and paying your dues before you can go out and earn the big bucks. So take this role to heart and don’t be tempted by large fees just to get extra points or bonuses. You don’t want to be maxing out your student credit card. Your wise use of this card will hold you in good stead. I know this because it worked for me.