It’s scary at first, but 100% worth it
Former students have shared some great advice for you, who are about to start at IHÅ: They all agree that it’s completely normal to feel nervous before your first day. You’re stepping into a new community, a new place, surrounded by new people – and that can feel both exciting and a little scary. But you’re definitely not the only one feeling that way. The best thing you can do in the beginning is to stay open. Say hi, join in on the social activities – even if it feels a bit outside your comfort zone. You don’t have to be “on” all the time – just be curious and present. The first few days are all about settling in, and it’s totally okay if it takes a little time. You’ll find your place.
Be yourself. Enjoy it.
Once everyday life starts to settle in, it’s all about making the most of your time – because it flies by. Way too fast. So throw yourself into new subjects, new conversations, new experiences. Be present in what you do, and allow yourself to just be exactly who you are. Worry less about what others might think. Folk High School is a place where you can try new things, discover new sides of yourself, and really get to know who you are. And remember – there’s almost always someone who wants to get to know you, if you’re just willing to open up. So enjoy it all – the sports, the music, the community. And hey… a little cheeky advice: you can sleep when you’re old.
"You’re right where you need to be."
– Former student at IHÅ
A story about friendship
How do you go from being new roommates to getting matching tattoos?Meet Robert and Martin, full-year students at Sports Folk High School in Aarhus. During their first semester, they shared Room 22 – where late-night talks and shared Folk High School experiences laid the foundation for a friendship that extends far beyond the school walls.
They arrived with different expectations, from opposite sides of the world – Canada and Slovakia – but quickly discovered they had more in common than they thought.
The story begins on an ordinary day in Room 22
“Should we get a tattoo?” Martin asked out of the blue.
“No way! Not in a million years,” Robert replied firmly.
But, as it sometimes happens at Folk High School, things took an unexpected turn. After postponing the idea (and getting cold feet a couple of times), the two ended up bored on a Tuesday morning – and what do you do then?
22 24 – written in Roman numerals: XXII XXIV. The tattoo became a symbol of Room 22 and the summer they started at Sports Folk High School in Aarhus. There were no questions asked when they happily returned to IHÅ – the tattoos were proudly shown off. According to the boys, it was the perfect excuse for skipping class.
From strangers to brothers
Sharing a room is a special part of the Folk High School experience. For Robert and Martin, it quickly became more than just a place to sleep. “It feels like home,” they say. They shared just about everything – from handball practice to songwriting and fitness, from late-night Xbox battles to deep conversations lasting into the early hours.
But it wasn’t just the room that brought them closer. As full-year students at IHÅ, they’ve developed a unique connection to the school, the students, and the teachers. “Being here for a whole year means a lot – we truly feel like we belong,” they say. “We’re especially grateful for the teachers at IHÅ. They’ve meant a lot to us – and to our parents back home, knowing we’re in good hands while being so far away.”
Advice for future students
For Robert and Martin, their time at IHÅ has been more than just a Folk High School stay. It’s been an adventure – a life-changing experience. And even though they come from opposite sides of the world, one thing is certain: they’re already planning to visit each other after school ends. Their advice to future students?
- Don’t judge – try to understand each other’s perspectives. You’ll meet lots of new people from all kinds of backgrounds, and that’s exactly what makes Folk High School so unique.
- Respect differences. Being part of a big group means encountering many different opinions and ways of thinking – learn from them.
- Give yourself time. It might feel overwhelming at first, but suddenly, the school will feel like your second home.
