Student Loan Repayment

Does anyone who's in the process of repayment have suggestion on how to make the repayment process easier or faster?

I'm scheduled to start loan repayment in November. Technically, I will be paying off four Federal subsidized loans (from undergraduate and graduate school), with roughly the same interest rate. The amount of the principle is fairly reasonable, but I want to avoid paying as much of the nearly $10,000 in finance charges as possible, which have been calculated for the standard 120 month repayment scheme.

I know that terms and conditions vary by lender, but are you normally penalized for paying above the set monthly payment? Also, is it at all possible to have your payments applied only to the principle of the loan, and not the interest? My lender is Suntrust Bank in the US, if anyone has personal experience.

Any advice or suggestions would be welcomed. I'm having trouble reaching the education help line and my old financial aid officer because of the time difference, and the only advice the lender will offer me is about consolidation. Thanks!

I know that terms and conditions vary by lender, but are you normally penalized for paying above the set monthly payment?

Also, is it at all possible to have your payments applied only to the principle of the loan, and not the interest?

I have a different lender than you but heres my experience:

Firstly.. No, Im not penalized for overpayment of my loan.
Secondly...When paying loans online it is easy to apply the extra towards the principle amount.. all you have to usually do is tick a box.

Just my personal experience, hope it helps... but you should really contact your lender... because lenders Terms and Conditions vary.. 

Thanks, Crissy. That helps. I did contact my lender initially, and they told me that everything would be explained by post closer to the date. In the meantime, they're sending correspondence to my US address, despite having my address here on file. I'm just worried I'm going to have to set something up quick over the phone and be completely clueless.