FAQ

If you compare a year of public university with living in a dormitory and paying all the regular expenses, food, bus passes and amusements, folk high school is much cheaper. The tuition also includes stydy trips both domestically and abroad. Read more in this blog.

There are several myths associated with who the “folk high school student” is, and to the surprise of many, there is not only one type of people who attend folk high school. At Toppen we have a good mix of nice people. The average age with us is about 20 years and most people have finished high school. Many people want a year where they get the time and space to figure out what to study next. Others have taken a break from studies and higher education, and some are taking a half-year course before going into first-time military service. We have students from all over the country who all have a desire to experience a year that can really mean something to them both academically and socially. We also have students from several other countries every year, so the school has a lovely international environment. There is a fairly even distribution between girls and boys at school.

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Most people live in double rooms and enjoy it. Girls and boys live in the same ward, and those who live there are in charge of well-being and order. It's very social and cozy to live like that, and that's one of the most special things about folk high school. With us, however, we get together a lot in the common areas. There's always something going on, which is why we don't often sit in the room.

Yes. We have several common rooms in the school, fireplace room, student lounge and activity room. The student lounge has its own new kitchen, and is located in the main boarding house. The smaller boarding houses have a separate common room. The common rooms are used extensively at Toppen. Here you can play games, watch sports on tv, discuss big questions or plan something fun for class. Many also hang out in the classroom throughout the evening.

Classes start at 9:00 and last until 14:00, or 15:00. We have dinner at 3:30 p.m., and the time until the evening elective courses start is at your disposal. There are electives between 5pm and 10pm. How busy you want to get with electives is up to you.

No. Students have their own keys to their own areas and rooms. Common areas, study rooms, etc. are usually closed at about 23:00 for night rest at the boarding school.

The food at the Top is truly one of the best things you can get in the world of folk high schools! Colorful, fresh and varied. We score unusually high on satisfaction with students on both dinner and bread food. Meals are important for good well-being and the chefs really contribute to this. Here, there can be many good tricks to pick up during the year.

The people who work here have the knowledge and expertise and a large network you get to take part in. They are committed to bringing out the best in people, and are wholeheartedly involved in their work. The student/teacher relationship is significantly different than you may be used to from before. Here's a nice mix of lots of laughter, a good portion of madness and intense work.

The school is located in the middle of the country, so very central wherever you come from! You can easily travel here by train, plane or car. It takes a couple of hours by plane from Oslo to Mosjøen. Airport 10 minutes drive from the school. Train station close by.

Yes, we have a ski stable, and plenty of space for storing equipment. Bicycles must be left out.

The school accommodates just over 90 students, so everyone has plenty of opportunity to get to know each other well. There are usually between 8 and 15 students per class. There is a fairly even distribution between girls and boys at school.

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Yes, some weekends. It can be various projects, tournaments, courses and electives. Otherwise, there are many students who work on their own with projects and ideas.

Yes! There are student nights, performances, tournaments, quizzes, baking/cooking, theater sports, movie marathons, game nights, bonfires, ice bathing... etc. And if nothing happens, then it is quite possible to start something on the fly!

Yes. Some people bring a car and find it easy. But, you don't need it, since most of it here is within walking distance. There is outdoor parking.

No. Just 5 minutes walk from the school are Rema, Coop Exstra and Spar, with opening hours until 23:00 hours. There are two 24-hour gas stations, in case you urgently need a hamburger menu... Chinese restaurant with good food 3 minutes from the school. If you are going to the city, it takes 25 minutes to walk and 7 minutes by bike. Good bus connections.

Very good ones! The school has a gymnasium and newly refurbished exercise room. Kippermoen fitness center and Frisk3 offers all kinds of training, group lessons, etc. Swimming pool at Kippermoen. Outdoors, there are several hiking trails, light trails, resorts, shooting ranges, etc. Great opportunities to practice your sport.

Since Mosjøen is located in the middle between the mountains and the coast, the weather changes quickly. It can change from frost to mild weather in an hour, from rain to sun. This part of the country is an experience in itself. The changes in the light, northern lights and midnight sun. Fjord and mountains, yet urban and accessible.

More than you know! You will gain professional skills that will make the choice easier. You will gain a social competence that is demanded and valued in working life. Folkehøgskole looks nice on your CV. You get a personal development that makes you more secure about who you are, what you want, where you want and why you want exactly that. You'll make friends and a personal network. You will bring with you lasting values that continue to grow after the year is over.

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Yes! Many who have been students with us have taken education that has been a natural continuation of the line subjects they had here. Many have studied/are studying music, theatre, film, sound and lighting in Norway or abroad. They have found their niche and their direction. Others study sports and outdoor subjects and find their way there. And some have just had a break on a road they've already started on.