im starting my PhD in jan. i am self funding and have paid my first year's fees in full but have now realised things wont be as i thought. in short, my financial situation doesnt look good. is it possible to start and appy for funding for say year 2? i will check with my uni when i start in jan. but just wondered...do u have to secure funding in advance of the first year or can i apply for consequent years. my course is full time in the social sciences. thank you x

It's very common to apply for funding after starting, in fact some funding bodies make you prove every year that you have applied for any alternative funding possible (mine does - and every year I resend the email explaining that there is no other possible funding...).

thank u. i will enquire at the uni when i start how to go about applying for some kind of funding. iv been told i can get a discretionary payment to help with travel etc. means tested and i dont pay it back. so good news. iv already spoken to the uni about this and will apply. il ask when i start what i can apply for..for the next year etc. at least iv paid this years fees in full in advance. gosh! getting so close now and some nerves fluttering in tummy now.. in anticipation of the work ahead of me...the years ahead... thanks for advice xxx