A couple of points. For those that get a six month grace period, put as much as you can afford on your loans, because that money goes straight on the principle and the amount of interest you'll save about 4-fold in interest. The longer you can live at home after finishing your education, the better you'll be long-term financially speaking.
Second, unless you're going to school year round to finish your diploma or degree early, work like a dog during the summers and breaks so that you won't have to work during the year. The more you can cover yourself, the less of a loan you'll have.