subject: Student Loan Consolidation Is A One Loan System [print this page] There are two possible timesThere are two possible times. During your grace period, which is the 6 months time after the graduation, or after you have started the repayments. It is recommended, that you will start during the grace period, because then you have a chance for the lower interest rates. After you have decided about the consolidation, the first thing to do is asking the offers from the bank and loan lenders. If they seem confusing, it is wise to turn to the qualified loan counselor, who can calculate, if the consolidation can honestly help you and to explain the details.