i have saved up for one year, i keep trying for my second year grant but if i don't get it, i don't think i can carry on doing my phd...are there many students out there who had to stop their studies because they run out of money???
the way i see it, it's probably not advisable to begin a doctorate unless you are pretty sure you are financially prepared for it. i myself waited seven years to apply for a PhD until I'd saved enough. (unconditionally accepted and just begun. YAY! ... oh sh*t!)