Annual University Open House
Open House will take place in October 2026. Stay tuned for more details!
Welcome to NC State
At NC State, we’re 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 and 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 explore 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 University Open House.
View our frequently asked questions for more information.
Main Campus
Centennial Campus
Free Parking on Campus
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
Centennial Campus is a mile from Main Campus, which is about a 30-minute walk. There will be shuttle buses running throughout the day to take visitors between both campuses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Event Questions
Are you required to register?
Yes! We ask that campus visitors register to receive important information prior to the event.
Who is eligible to attend Open House?
While anyone can register to attend Open House, the event is intended for prospective high school students (grades 9 – 12) and their families.
When will the schedule be available?
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.
Do I have to stay the entire time?
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.
Is there a campus tour?
University Open House is an open program with many ways to explore campus! There is no formal tour. You will have the opportunity to explore campus throughout the day and during departmental visits.
Will there be dining options available?
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.
I am unable to attend Open House. Will there be another Open House this year?
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
What should I wear?
University Open House takes place both inside and outside on campus. We recommend wearing comfortable, casual clothing and walking shoes.
Where can I park?
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.
Are there recommended hotels if we plan to stay the night?
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 are bringing a bus with a group of students to Open House. What should we do?
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
- Please have your driver drop your group off at the Technology Tower, outside of Talley Student Union, 2411 Dunn Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27606
Centennial Campus Bus Drop Off/Pick Up
- Please have your driver drop your group off at the Wilson College of Textiles, 1020 Main Campus Dr, Raleigh, NC 27606.