student loan consolidation

Has anyone heard about the rate change on July 1st? My mom is telling me to consolidate my student loans now to save money in the future. So I'm going to do it, but that means if I consolidate now, I will have to start paying now, and otherwise I would have until 6months after graduation (sept this year) to start repaying my loans.

My partner would say to wait to repay even if it's more, but that rate will be more for 10-15yrs, as opposed to a bit more upfront now.

Any thoughts? Has anyone else consolidated to get the lower rate?

I consolidated after I graduated and I'm so glad I did because at the time, the rates were really low. I had also heard that I would have to start paying immediately, but I ended up not having to pay until 6 months after I graduated. I believe it takes a few months to get it all sorted. I don't know for sure, but I'm guessing it would take them until August or September anyway to get it all set up. I consolidated over three years ago, so they may have sped things up since then. Have they told you how long the process takes?