<p>you have to start making the payments at the 7 months. if you look into consolidating them you may save some money. i consolidated and now it comes directly from my bank account every month and i save a half a percent on interest that way, and as long as i make x amt of payments on time in a row they lower my interest rate by a half a percent at that time as well. once you start school again the loans can be put on hold.</p>