My student loans are In collections what should I do?

My student loans have been in default for a while and sent to collections. I am unemployed at this time and worried about what may happen to me. Is there anything I can do? I looked up bankruptcy but it said student loans would not be covered. I have tried to talk to them and because its multiple loans and they want large amounts I just cant get them back in order. this has destroyed my credit and I was planning on moving out on my own and this just makes me terrified about even being able to find an apartment now when I get back on my feet.