There are a number of sound financial strategies you should be using while you’re still in college (or for you parents: while your child is) so that paying back student loans is much easier in the future:

Supplementing student loans with other financial options, such as savings and free aid. Make sure to begin a college savings plan ASAP. Use this to pay for whatever you can while you’re studying. Most 529 savings plans allow you to save tax-free money, and some states even provide monetary incentive/gifts.

Understand all the details and terms of all your federal and private student loans. You will be bound to this loan for several years so make sure you know what you’re getting into.

Don’t miss your payments. If you are consistently running short on money each month, call your student loan lender to find some answers. Once you’re in default it is much more difficult qualifying for a consolidation loan. Student loan default can have serious consequences and ruin your credit rating.

Hope these help (and they should if you follow them)!