Cost of living - managing your finances while attending college

What financial support is available at college?  

There’s a range of financial support and bursaries available at Bracknell and Wokingham College for eligible students.   

These bursaries allow students with financial barriers to access everything they need to attend college and thrive on their course. They may be used to pay for essential travel, meal credits, books, equipment or childcare.   

They are discretionary and the amount received will depend on individual circumstance and financial need.   

We also have financial bursaries for 19+ students still available.   

Travel support – getting to and from college  

If the cost of travel is affecting your ability to get to college, we may be able to help!  

If you live three miles or more from the nearest Activate Learning campus offering your course, you may be eligible.   

You may be able to use your travel bursary for travel passes or travel expenses. Please refer to financial support and bursaries for more information regarding travel bursaries.  

Eating at college 

Breakfast Club,  8.15 to 9am only

In support of our students and ensuring they start the day with something in their stomachs, we have put together an offer which is free to select at any of our Recharge main outlets. The strict bit: This is to be used only once per day, Students must select one option, Student lanyards must be worn and the options are not transferable for other items.

Just say “Breakfast club offer” when asking for your selected option.                      

Breakfast Club – choice of each option

Option 1

• Standard Cup of Tea or Americano Coffee – Bottle Water
• 2 Slices Toast (Spread/Jam)

Option 2

• Standard Cup of Tea or Americano Coffee – Bottle Water
• Cornflakes/Rice Krispies – with Milk ( Dairy/Soya available)

You may be eligible for free meals (breakfast or lunch) at college.   

Please refer to financial support and bursaries for more information regarding meal credits.   

Food and clothing support services in Bracknell 

Here is a selection of local food, clothing, homeware, homelessness and refugee support services in Bracknell. 

Share Bracknell 

Share Bracknell offers surplus food within the community.  

All are welcome and they open on Friday from 1–3:30pm 

They are located at St Andrews Church, Priestwood, Bracknell, RG42 1TU. 

They can be contacted via the Share Bracknell Facebook page.  

Revive Café  

Revive Café offers free coffee, Wi-Fi and subsidised food. 

They are open on Tuesday from 12:45–3pm,  

They are located at the Kerith Centre, Church Road, Bracknell, RG12 1EH. 

Learn more about the Revive Café on the Kerith Centre website.   

Storehouse 

Storehouse offers household items, distributed to those in need. 

A referral or request is required to access their services.  

They are located at Easthampstead Baptist Church, South Hill Road, RG12 7NS. 

They can be contacted on 01344 487744 or via email at storehouse@ebc-bracknell.org.  

The Cowshed 

The Cowshed offers clothing and household items for families in crisis. A referral needed by your college, GP, church or social care services. 

They are located at The Stables Hurst Grove, Sandford Lane, RG10 0SQ. 

They can be contacted on 0118 934 5120 or info@thecowshed.org. 

Sourcing sustainable fashion   

Looking for sustainable fashion that’s eco-conscious and budget friendly? Check out:   

• Vinted  
• eBay 
• Depop   
• Facebook Marketplace   
• Charity shops  

Are you concerned about money?  

If you are concerned about the cost of living and could benefit from support, please contact Student Support.    

We’re here to support your studies and make sure you have everything you need to attend and thrive at college.