During his time in Ås, he has rarely spent time in places other than Samfunnet or in BEdehus. Even though you may not recognize him by his face, there is still a good chance that you recognize his voice! This is Two Beers with Knut Sørbø.

Journalist: Ingvild Lauvstad Sunde

Photographer: Tuva Hebnes

It is the first time I visit the radio room when photographer Tuva and I meet Knut at Samfunnet on a Tuesday afternoon in March. “This doesn’t look good,” he laughs as he leads us down the basement hallway underneath the office wing. Despite briefly wondering if we’re getting kidnapped, we’re eventually led into a cozy little room with stark red walls, and we quickly realize that Knut only has good intentions.

The radio room is full of treasures, and Knut eagerly shows off an impressive collection of LPs, an old spotlight that once hung from the ceiling of Aud.Max., along with old issues of Tuntreet, broken record players, and other curiosities. We finally sit down at a table with professional microphones on stands, and it almost feels like we’re going to record a podcast episode. However, this time it’s not Knut who will be asking the questions, it’s his turn to be interviewed!

Telemark, signal drums, and mechatronics in Southern Norway

“I grew up in a small village in Telemark called Lunde, outside of Bø,” Knut start explaining when I ask about his upbringing. “Not many people know where it is, so I often have to spell the name,” he laughs. “I lived there until I joined the military, where I joined the band troop in the King’s Guard—I actually played signal drums!” he tells me, and I am mightily impressed! “In the military, I also met Annlaug, who would become my future wife,” he smiles.

“After I was done with the military, in 2014, I went to Grimstad and took a bachelor’s degree in Mechatronics at the University of Agder,” Knut explains further. Here I have to stop and ask - what on earth is ‘mechatronics’? “Mechatronics is probably just a fancy name for robotics, so technically my degree is actually in mechanical engineering,” he admits. “I also had Ås on my list of places to study, but I had deferred an offer to study in Grimstad while I was in the military,” he says.

The UiA student’s first view of Ås

“The first time I came to Ås, it was actually not to study here,” Knut reveals. “My bachelor’s degree was related to aquaculture, so my thesis partner and I took a trip to NMBU to get some help. It turned out that what we wrote our bachelor’s about was first-year-level Math! So that was a bit embarrassing to find out,” he laughs. “I didn’t end up studying aquaculture when I finally started here in Ås, but at least I got to see TF for the first time,” he adds with a smile.

“As a student from another university, the first impression was that this was a somewhat random place to have a school,” Knut admits. The student from Grimstad especially noticed that the buildings at his own campus were of a slightly newer date than here in Ås. “But now I was introduced to Ås at TF, so I haven’t thought much about what it looks like here later,” he assures with a twinkle in his eye.

During the three years of his bachelor’s degree in Grimstad, Knut finds out that engineering is not really right for him. “I had worked as a bartender during my time in Grimstad. After completing my degree, I went to Denmark to continue as a bartender there for another two years. This was actually a classic case of me moving for love. Annlaug was going to Denmark, so I went with her!” he laughs.

“Finally, I found out that I wanted to study to become a teacher. Fimke, Annlaug’s sister, was studying at Ås and since I had heard a lot of good things from her, the choice fell on a degree in Teacher Education in Natural Sciences at NMBU,” Knut explains. This concludes the story of how he ended up as a student here in Ås, but it’s just the beginning of a study filled with engagement and many different positions. “After this, it has just been one thing after another!” he beams.

The unique ‘Ås bubble’!

After studying for about the same amount of time at two different universities, Knut has some thoughts about the student environment at the two schools. “Ås simply has a livelier student environment,” the student from Telemark explains. “There are more people coming from far away to Ås In Grimstad, most people still lived at home and hung out with people from middle and high school.” Knut believes this made it harder for outsiders to participate in student life. “But it was definitely not a bad study environment in Grimstad, it’s just extra great here in Ås!” he assures.

A strong voice in the association life

Knut was a much more confident person when he started as a first-year student at NMBU in 2019. He also had a rich source of information about the university’s student associations, through Fimke. “I quickly realized that I had to go ‘all in’, or else I would just end up sulking in my room. I applied to both Samfunnet’s photography committee and the student democracy before I even came to Ås,” says Knut, showing an inspiring motivation.

During his time in Ås, the teacher student has particularly stood out for his voice, both on the radio and as a choir member. “I eventually became the head of the film and photography committee, and although this is a demanding position, I really liked it.”

Despite enjoying his role as head of the committee, Knut noticed that he missed a sense of community. Over Rævne was therefore an easy choice. “I had been thinking of applying there for a while,” he says. “I remember Annlaug had to tell me that I had to quit the committee before I could apply for Over Rævne. So, I gave up the committee position,” he continues. “I understand why she gave me that dilemma, because even now I’m not home much because I have so much to do!” Knut admits with a laugh. “So, I stepped down to a regular committee position again, to be able to participate in other things.”

“It takes some time getting used to your own voice!”

“I didn’t know anything about radio before joining Agrarmetropodden or the UKEradio, but I liked speaking!” the student from Telemark laughs. “It’s been really fun to learn everything and to meet many different people, both artists and students!” He is clearly grateful for his time in the radio studio, which is now under the marketing committee. “But it takes some time getting used to your own voice!” Knut adds, laughing.

“The funniest people I’ve interviewed? It must be the vocalist of Honningbarna. I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who is so passionate about music and their own profession! And the vocalist of Brenn, Edvard Smith Save, was an incredibly lively and fun guy,” he recalls.

“I went down on one knee and everything!”

If the radio host wants to completely relax, the decision is easy, to go home to Telemark, to the cabin in Lifjell, either with friends or with his wife Annlaug. But what is it like to have found the right one? “I have no other word for it than that it’s just very lovely. It feels completely right,” Knut says with a smile. “And yes, I went down on one knee and everything!” he laughs. “We had just moved into Kringla, so the apartment was completely empty because it wasn’t furnished yet. However, it still felt like the right time to propose because we were starting a new chapter in life together,” he explains.

The big motivation

“Everything I do and have done here in Ås is probably justified by the fact that I think this is when I have the chance,” Knut declares. “I have to try to make the best of the time I have here! At the same time, I’m also turning 30 soon, so I should probably move on a bit,” he laughs. After his studies, he sees himself starting a job as a teacher. “Ås has definitely made me a more reflective person. I have become more engaged, open, and extroverted!” he concludes. Tuntreet wishes Knut good luck in the future!

Greetings to Knut

Good day, Knut!

Now we have had the pleasure of getting to know you over the last 3,5 years, but in some different arenas; Monika through student association life and engagement at Samfunnet, and Eirik through the teacher education. Knut, you really are the embodiment of honorable character. There simply isn’t anyone else like him - a solid guy and genuine towards everyone he meets, with values and attitudes that shine through, and with great care and empathy. A couple of calming, soothing, affirming or encouraging words from you, is enough to turn the tide and everything gets a better outlook, in addition to the fact that there are few you would rather cheer with when it’s time to celebrate! In other words: We don’t only bring you with us to war, but everywhere!

A solid and wise friend, steady as a mountain, after all the rules of the art.

Lots of love! Big hug from us at Agrarmetropodden Eirik-Mathias and Monika

Knut with a capital K!

We are so thankful that you are a proper rascal. Can you believe that you’re soon entering your final year of studies here at Ås with us? How are you gonna make it? Without your bubbling humor, bad jokes, wise words and teasing statements this time in Ås wouldn’t be the same. You enrich us with your presence, both in every day life and at parties, paragraph 9A would not be the same without you (if you know you know). We are thankful to have you in our group, and remember; noting is sure in live, other than a pat on the back form Knut <3

Here is a pat on the back from your good friend and fellow teachers;

Mari, Synne, Håvard, Vebjørn, Anne, Tonje, Elise, Edel and Eirik

Dear Knut

You are a gifted man with such an awesome register that you could be bass, but were placed in 1. Tenor! You took this challenge with ease and it’s been this way ever since. Even if it’s only been a year since you joined Rævne it feels like you’ve always been here. A willing participant with a high engagement and power of execution, but first and foremost a good friend.

You may not be a typical rævneman when it comes to drinking and intoxication, because even if you are our “BEruser” you rarely get too BEfuddled and that is something we benefit from. When the rest of the gang is too bashed to function, you’re there as a responsible and safe haven, who knows to take care of the people around you. We have much to learn from your reflections, encouragements for engagement and sporicidal adult education of these sad excuses for charmers.

BBB and Best greetings from

Mannskoret Over Rævne