Do I pay it as a PhD student? If so, what about in the 4th (post-funding) year?

As far as I understand as long as you are registered as a student you are not eligible to pay it. But if someone lives with you who isnt a student then they have to pay it.

You've just made my day. That's an extra £90 of beer money every month when I start in September - wicked!

I plan to cycle to uni when i start my PhD so I dont need a car.. so thats saving on road tax, insurance and fuel costs.. more money for beer and helping the enviroment

I'll be using Shanks's pony to go into uni everyday!

I'd also be interested to know if it applies to PT students