Gathering miles or hotel points using credit cards is ideal.....IF... you have the discipline to only use it for necessary purchases and are able to pay the balance monthly. As a college student, being able to handle your purchasing using a credit card is something you have to commit to. The path to financial ruin for a lot of people was paved by Citibank, etc. You will find many people on this board (I'm one) who get hundreds of thousands of points (hotel and air), but if I pay any monthly charges, I am wasting the effort.

Good luck!