Y'all know how every summer I get a big boner for a PhD? Well, the time has come to do something with that boner. I'm ready now. I'm studying for the GRE and I'm researching PhD programs; so far I intend to apply to UCLA, USC, UCSB, and perhaps UT Austin and/or the University of Queensland. Hopefully I can start my classes in just over a year from now, and be Dr. Yek a few years later. (It'll be tempting to strip for a few shifts then, just so I can be Dr. Stripper!)
Anyway, I don't really want to dance while working on my PhD. I graduated with highest honors and a 4.0 in grad school because I didn't have to work. With my B.A. I was working full time and barely scraped a B average, and I missed a lot of classes due to exhaustion. So I'd rather retire from dancing when I start my PhD coursework.
I know PhD programs generally come with fellowships, so I won't need to pay tuition. But what do I live on? How common is it to get a stipend I can live on while I'm in school? I have a little teaching experience and would love to teach several undergrad classes, since my eventual goal is to be a university professor anyway. Do most PhD students live this way, or do they have to work part-time?
I only know one PhD student and she does live on her fellowship, but I have no idea how common that is. I just want to know so I can plan accordingly; I'm going to do everything possible to get out of debt before I start my program, and I need to know if I'm going to have to save up money to live on, too.

