Annual University Open House

Open House will take place in October 2026. Stay tuned for more details!

Welcome to NC State

At NC State University, we are known for our leadership in education and research and are globally recognized for science, technology, engineering and mathematics. We continue to support our state’s key industries offering majors in natural resources, textiles and agriculture. As the largest four-year institution in North Carolina, our university spans across three campuses just minutes apart from each other. We encourage you to explore everything we have to offer on campus during University Open House!

Event Format & Schedule

During the event, NC State’s Main and Centennial Campuses will be open to explore. While there is no formal event schedule, you will be able to choose from 100+ sessions to learn more about what interests you. There is no formal guided campus tour during Open House. You will have the opportunity to tour campus throughout the day. You can find a complete list of all events happening across campus during Open House by downloading the NC State Guides app. Information about the Guides app will be emailed to registrants 24-48 hours before Open House. View our frequently asked questions for more information.

Main Campus

Main Campus is a great starting point where you can visit the Information Fair on Stafford Commons to speak with representatives from all academic colleges and various campus departments.

Centennial Campus

Interested in Engineering or Textiles? The majority of College of Engineering and Wilson College of Textiles sessions are being held on Centennial Campus so you can tour their facilities and see where their students live and learn.

Parking During the Event

We expect a large number of visitors for Open House. In order to avoid heavy traffic, you have the option of starting your visit at one of five parking decks.

Bus parking is available at 1382 Varsity Drive, Raleigh, NC 27607. Buses will need to remain parked in the lot until it is time to pick the students up again.

Main Campus Visitor Parking

If Central or North Campus is your first stop, you can park in the Coliseum Parking Deck, Dan Allen Parking Deck or West Parking Deck

Coliseum Parking Deck
2452 Cates Ave., Raleigh, NC 27606
Dan Allen Parking Deck
110 Dan Allen Dr, Raleigh, NC 27607
West Parking Deck
1125 Varsity Dr, Raleigh, NC 27606

Centennial Campus Visitor Parking

If Centennial Campus will be your first stop, parking is available in the Partners Way Deck or the Oval West Deck.

Partners Way Deck
851 Partners Way, Raleigh, NC 27606
Oval West Deck
914 Partners Way, Raleigh, NC 27606

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Event Questions

Yes! We ask that campus visitors register to receive important information prior to the event.

While anyone can register to attend Open House, the event is intended for prospective high school students (grades 9 – 12) and their families.

A full list of session descriptions and times will be hosted in the NC State Guides app. Information about the Guides app will be emailed to registrants 24-48 hours before Open House. The Guides app is digital only and will serve as the event schedule.

It is not necessary to stay for the duration of the event. We recommend viewing the schedule and list of activities associated with Open House and planning your day accordingly so you can get the most out of your visit. While there are activities available across campus until 2 p.m., it is strongly encouraged that you arrive by 11 a.m. to ensure you have the opportunity to make the most of your day.

University Open House is an open program with many ways to explore campus! There is no formal tour. You will have the opportunity to tour campus throughout the day and during departmental visits.

We’ll have several options for dining on campus the day of Open House, including coffee shops and spots for lunch. NC State is a cashless campus, so any purchases must be made on a credit or debit card. More information on dining can be found at dining.ncsu.edu.

Open House is held once a year in October. If you are unable to attend this year’s Open House, we offer other options to visit us on campus year round.

Planning Questions

University Open House takes place both inside and outside on campus. We recommend wearing comfortable, casual clothing and walking shoes.

We expect a large number of visitors for Open House. In order to avoid heavy traffic, you have the option of starting your visit at one of our several parking decks on campus.

If Main Campus is your first stop, you can park in the Coliseum Parking Deck or the Dan Allen Deck.
If Centennial Campus will be your first stop, parking is available in the Partners Way Deck or the Oval West Deck.
For groups arriving via bus: Bus parking is available at 1382 Varsity Drive, Raleigh, NC 27607. Buses will need to remain parked in the lot until it is time to pick the students up again.

While there is a wide selection of places to stay in Raleigh, you can view a list of hotels within ten miles of NC State’s campus.

We encourage your students to register individually. Bus parking is available at 1382 Varsity Drive, Raleigh, NC 27607. Buses will need to remain parked in the lot until it is time to pick the students up again.

Main Campus Bus Drop Off/Pick Up