On a fundamental level there is nothing “wrong” with student credit cards. They can be used to purchase educational essentials like textbooks or just for added convenience while students are living away from home. They also help students start building their own credit histories. But there are risks too. Credit cards also give students the opportunity to get into debt at a young age — something that will likely stay with them for years.

Here are five examples of things students might do with their first credit cards (like the ANZ First Visa) to get themselves into trouble. While many will be responsible with those student credit cards, these examples are simply about highlighting risks and letting students know what kind of behaviour they should look out for. Using a credit card to finance any of the following things while in school, without the ability to pay them off completely every month, can lead to unnecessary credit card debt.

1. Groceries

Students are often fending for themselves when it comes to meals for the first time when they go to school. It might be tempting to load up on groceries and charge the bill to a student credit card. But these consumables have no value shortly after buying them, so there’s no justification for financing the purchases and paying additional money in interest.

2. Clothing, Electronics and Other Luxuries

It’s no secret that young people want to stay on top of trends, whether it’s fashion or the latest gadgets. Without full-time employment those purchases might get put on a student credit card to be paid off over time. But that’s not a responsible use of a credit card. Like consumables, trendy items don’t have a long shelf life. New gadgets come out and clothing quickly goes out of style — not things that justify long-term debt.

3. Parties and Excursions

From a Friday night party to a weekend away with friends, it might seem easier to pay for a fun time out with a credit card. That’s especially true if students are short on cash because they’re only working part-time in addition to being in school. Remember that credit cards should be about convenience, but that doesn’t necessarily equate to instant gratification. Sometimes responsibility means knowing when to say “no” or make other suggestions for plans with your friends — ones that won’t cost more than what people can really afford.

4. Rent or Utilities

If the only way you can keep a roof over your head or keep your electricity turned on is to pay with a credit card and finance the payments, you’re heading for trouble. Eventually that credit limit will run out and you’ll still be on the hook for the payments (plus interest). If you can’t cover your basic monthly necessities, credit cards are not the answer. You’re better off finding a new part-time job to help out, taking on a roommate to help cover the costs, or moving into a lower cost of living housing arrangement (like staying with friends or family for a while).

5. Dating

You can’t buy love — or at least you shouldn’t try. Running up debt for the sake of a date who may not be in your life for long anyway is irresponsible. And if you’ve been with a significant other for a while, they should never ask or expect you to. Don’t blow money you don’t have by taking people out thinking you can pay for it later. If it doesn’t work out, you’ll regret it. If it does work out, that debt will just continue to climb as the dates keep on coming. There are plenty of ways to enjoy time together without building debt. Find shared interests and inexpensive ways to pursue them together.

Many students are perfectly responsible when it comes to using student credit cards. For those who aren’t, these are some situations where it’s best to leave the card at home to avoid the risk of going into debt. Whether you’re brand new to student credit cards or you’ve made one or more of these mistakes already, now you know what temptations to look out for.