Need Advice for Student Loans

I am currently a student at DeVry University. I have one more year to go. By the time i finish i will have almost 40,000 in student loans. Now, at the time being i am currently clearing up all of my debt like my credit cards and old accounts on my credit reports, so i will not have any other outstanding debt once im done. My question is i know i will have my 6 month grace period, what is the BEST way not to default on my student loans,i knowi have to pay every month but things do come up. i am trying to get prepared to pay this debt off because i do want to buy a house once i am graduated from school. I currently have Sallie Mae, but i dont think i want to consolidate with them once i am done, any suggestions on who would be good to consolidate with? Also,how to apply for a deferment or a forebearance if needed. Any advice would be very helpful.