If you finished college in May and have federal student loans, it’s almost time to start repaying them, the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority, or KHEAA, says. KHEAA offers the following tips that may help students handle their loans. One of the smartest things you can do is pay more than your scheduled amount. If you ask your lender to apply the extra to the principal, you’ll pay less interest over the life of your loan. Several plans are available. The standard repayment plan calls for equal monthly payments over 10 years. The minimum monthly payment is usually $50. Other options include: • Graduated repayment,