So...how does this funding situation work...?

[TransnationalHistory]

Also, consider how many additional fellowships/grants/awards/etc, your university gives out to students. I get the impression some schools make it easier, especially after the first year, for students to apply and get additional funding, while some schools only give out additional funding/awards to a select few.

[Eigen]

Also, pay attention to the type of housing students use to quote prices: if everyone with cheap rent is actually sharing a house with seven other grad students or commuting in from an hour away, is that better or worse (for you, personally) than taking on side gigs to afford better or closer housing?

You might not be able to take on side-jobs and still get the departmental funding. In at least two programs I know of, if you are receiving funding from the department and they "catch" you working somewhere else, you either give up your funding or quit the other job.