First you have to know your options. How much research did you do before choosing your student loan provider? Was this student loan provider affected by the economic crisis? Did their company require a bail-out? Understanding your options is the first step to consolidating your loans.
After you have done your research on the company you have chosen. Check to see what their intrust rates are, and how customer friendly they may be. Get to know the the company. Remember customer service is key when it comes to consolidating your loans. You want to be able to tell the company exactly what you are able to pay and how it can be put toward your loan to prevent default.
Making payments on your student loan before graduation can give you a jump start on paying the loans off. This too will prevent default. Remember student loan defaults leave a blemish on your credit report that does not go away. If you see that your student loan amount are high, try to consolidate them before your borderline default. Set up a savings account that will be just for your repayment of your student loans. Keep in contact with the company to build a repore. Inform them of any medical, or family related issues that may delay payments. Loan companies are really willing to work with you, they want their money back.