Considering i could keep my private repo from the beta until i accidentally deleted it (empty repo) this is a good deal for us that do not use github enough to warrant paying monthly but does appreciate it. I just made my self 5 private empty repoes named private1-5. I can just rename them and put them to use when i need them and most likely they will persist (or just become public?) when the free month runs out. Not that i wouldn't want to pay GitHub for their awesome service but when you're a unemployed student with bills to pay i'd rather have food on my table one more day than private repos.
Should probably add that i would pay for a plan if i needed private repos, but this is nice since i get stuff i don't need and don't have to pay for. Freebies are awesome :-)