More and more college students today are using credit cards. But what exactly are they buying with their credit cards? Parents would hope that they are using their credit cards wisely, but this is not always the case.

1. Books

Yes, college students do use their credit cards to buy books. All the books that are needed for classes are not always available to buy used, so for the conscientious college students, books is one of the first things on the list.

2. Lab fees

Depending on the student's major, there may very well be lab fees for equipment and time spent in the lab. Of course, some majors require more time spent in the lab then others, and may incur higher lab fees.

3. Food

Let's face it, college food is not always the best, and it's not always available. College kids get the late night munchies and need to go to the market or send out for pizza. After all, they need something to keep them awake through all that studying.

4. Alcohol

For the 21 and older crowd, there will be trips to the local bars. Their parents may not want to believe it, or to admit it, but yes that is something that the credit card is being used for.

5. Clothes

Although you sent your child off to school with a brand new wardrobe, there is no doubt that your daughter isn't going to find something that she absolutely has to have. No matter what the orientation letter says, there are things that they are going to forget. For example, what girls are wearing when school is not in session. Let's face it, that's not something that an educator is going to think to include in a letter.

6. Gas

Remember that car that went to college with your child? Yep. It needs gas to get them where they need to go.

7. Essentials that don't fit into any other categories

As well as all the other things, college students use their credit cards for things that are incidental. Car repairs, medicine, doctors visits, birth control, coffee, cigarettes, cash withdrawals, and just about anything else that you can think of.

So for all of the parents out there who have been wondering what exactly that credit card is being used for, there are some pretty good ideas. Be happy that your child has gone off to college and as long as they are studying hard don't worry too much about the rest. They are getting their feet wet in life and learning who they are.