This thread is full of bizarre mis-information. I have never heard of a PhD student in the UK who was not funded. Most get around £13k tax-free and don't have to pay tuition. I didn't even have to teach, and I had a company fund my last year as an employee even.
I second the above. I'm about to finish my PhD and within the entire department, I only know of one guy who was self funded. The rest of us all have grants that cover both tuition fees and a tax free stipend which, unless you live in London, is ok.
