I have several questions about student loans.  I have a Direct Stafford Unsubsidized, a Direct Stafford Subsidized, a Stafford Unsubsidized and a Stafford Subsideized, which total $36,184 .  They look to all be through the US Department of Education.  I am currently still looking for employment.  I do work part-time.  I guess I am just curious about whether 1) If I do defer, do I have to separately defer each loan 2) Would it be smart to consolidate my loans, and 3) Do I need to call the US Dept. of Education for help because I really have no clue who to contact.  Sorry for all the questions and thank you.