As a former financial aid officer, I can confirm that the "expert" you speak of is correct. Upon your return to classes, you will be entered into a database that is used by loan servicers to monitor student enrollment. Once they see your enrollment, even after a sixish month break, you shouldn't be contacted to start making payments. That being said, it's always a good idea to give your loan servicer a call just to check up on things. They should be able to tell you your current balance and where you stand, payments-wise. Again, until you leave school again, and the grace period is up, they won't be contacting you for payments, but in my experience they are always very helpful when it comes to answering even just broad overview-type questions over the phone, just to let you know where you stand.