A PhD student without funding is like a dog with a precious bone but without teeth. It is like a gun aiming at the enemy without a bullet. Although, the joy of being admitted may seem salivating, considering the cost of living, cost of research, tuition fees, and the very fact that somes years will be committed into it makes it a daring action to take. Why spend so much (time and money) on an investment of 3 or 4 years without any guarantee of a future help. Learn from @Zaphyr's experience.