This may vary by uni or Research Council, but how and when do you receive the stipend? Are you paid monthly or do you get a whole year in advance?

quartely. Would wonder whether there is a place that takes the risk to pay in advance for the whole year;))

I was thinking that.....surely they would just think we would spend it all at once.....

I did wonder. I had designs on blowing it all on booze in fresher's week. I'm sure I could have a good week on 3 months though. Obviously, this post has nothing to with me having to pay rent up front or anything!

Mine is paid every 4 weeks by the University. I think the University gets it from the HEFCE at once.