I'm sure you've heard that it is important to build a good credit history, but you might not know how or why. Your credit history will be referenced by banks when you want to borrow money for a car or a home, by credit card companies, and sometimes by future employers or landlords. While some of this may seem a long way off, it is important to start building a good credit history now.

Here are a few tips from someone who's been in your shoes: