IN PRINT: How credit card reform affects you

This Frosh week was different than most--but you might not have noticed. There were no credit card issuers tabled around campus trying to convince you to open an account. No free pizza or shot glasses for credit cards. That's because of 2009's Credit CARD Act, which went into effect in February.Provisions in the act meant to protect college students prevent card issuers from offering giveaways on campus and appearing at university events without an official reason. And for the first time, students under 21 won't be able to apply for a credit card, unless they have a co-signer over 21 or proof of income to show they can actually pay your bill. If it seems condescending, it might still make sense. The average undergraduate carries over $3,000 in credit card debt, and only 17 percent report regularly paying off their balance, according to college-financing company Sallie Mae.But the well-intentioned legislation makes it even harder to establish a first line of credit and begin building your credit history--which could be necessary when you try to get your first car loan or apartment. But there are other options to build up your credit history, if you're under 21.To see what they are, check out this piece in Newsweek.