Visitors are welcome to explore many public-facing spaces on campus during normal operating hours, including Talley Student Union, D.H. Hill Jr. Library, James B. Hunt Jr. Library and other common areas. Access to classrooms, labs, faculty offices, recreation facilities and some academic buildings may be limited or require a university ID. Visitors are not permitted to enter residence halls on their own. Residence halls are secured year-round and require an NC State student ID card for access. Visitors should be aware that building access is typically more restricted after 5 p.m. during the week, on weekends and during university holidays. 

Visitors are not permitted to enter residence halls on their own. Residence halls are secured year-round and require an NC State student ID card for access. Visitors may enter a residence hall only when hosted and escorted by a current resident. Prospective students are welcome to view residence hall buildings from the outside and can learn more about living on campus through the virtual resources available on the University Housing website. 

The campus tour is not driveable. It is designed to be experienced on foot, as many areas of campus are not accessible by vehicle. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes and bringing a refillable water bottle. Visitors may drive between Main and Centennial Campuses, but should park in designated visitor parking and explore each area on foot rather than attempting to follow the tour route by car. 

Both the self-guided and guided walking tour routes include staircases and uneven surfaces.

If you are visiting campus for a self-guided tour and need an ADA-accessible route, please use our abbreviated accessible tour map. Please note that this map provides an abbreviated version of the self-guided tour route and does not include all areas of Main Campus. We work to keep the accessible tour map as current as possible. However, ongoing construction and other campus conditions may occasionally require accessible routes to be disrupted or rerouted.

If you are registering for a guided campus tour and need an accessible route, you can request one through the tour registration form. Your tour guide will provide an accessible route for your visit.

NC State’s campus does not have a general closing time, so visitors are welcome to explore campus throughout the day. However, individual buildings have their own operating hours and access restrictions. For example, James B. Hunt Jr. Library on Centennial Campus requires an NC State student ID card for access after 10 p.m. and during certain academic periods. Parking regulations also vary by location, day and time, so visitors should review posted signs and parking information when planning their visit. Visitors should be aware that building access is typically more restricted after 5 p.m. during the week, on weekends and during university holidays. 

The best on-campus option is Wolfpack Outfitters. Located in the main lobby of Talley Student Union, Wolfpack Outfitters is the official NC State bookstore and a major source of officially licensed apparel and gifts. There is also a smaller Wolfpack Outfitters location on Centennial Campus. 

Visitors are welcome to spend as much time on campus as they would like, keeping in mind that individual buildings and parking areas have their own hours and restrictions. An Admissions information session and guided campus tour typically takes about two hours, while a self-guided visit allows you to explore campus at your own pace. Parking rates and regulations vary by location, so we recommend visiting the Transportation website for current visitor parking information. 

You do not need to verify or report an unofficial campus visit. NC State does not consider demonstrated interest, including whether a student has visited campus, when reviewing applications. If you would like to receive information tailored to your interests, you may complete our interest form.

Both the College of Engineering and Wilson College of Textiles are located on Centennial Campus, approximately one mile from Main Campus. Visitors can travel between the two campuses by driving and using designated visitor parking, walking approximately 30 minutes between campuses or taking the Wolfline bus system.

The Wolfline is free and open to campus visitors. No university ID, bus pass or fare is required. Wolfline buses are easy to recognize by their red, white and black design and Wolfline logo. Visit the Transportation website for current routes, stops and service information.

Yes, Uber, Lyft and other rideshare services can bring visitors to NC State. When selecting your destination, please keep in mind that the Joyner Visitor Center (1210 Varsity Drive) is not located on Main Campus. If your rideshare drops you off at the Joyner Visitor Center, you will need to walk approximately 30 minutes to Main Campus or request another rideshare after your visit to the center.

If you are visiting the College of Engineering or Wilson College of Textiles, both are located on Centennial Campus. We recommend setting your rideshare destination to the specific building or location you plan to visit on Centennial Campus.

Yes, the Wolfline bus system is free and open to everyone, including campus visitors. No NC State ID, bus pass or fare is required. Buses operate along designated routes and pick up and drop off passengers at marked Wolfline stops throughout campus. The Wolfline is also a convenient way for prospective students and families to travel between Main and Centennial Campuses. Wolfline buses are easy to recognize by their red, white and black design and Wolfline logo. Visit the Transportation website for current routes, stops and service information.

Admissions staff are available at the Joyner Visitor Center to meet with prospective students and families during regular business hours. Walk-ins are welcome, no appointment necessary. The Joyner Visitor Center is located at 1210 Varsity Drive, Raleigh, NC 27606, just off Western Boulevard. Please note that the Visitor Center is not located on NC State’s Main Campus. If you plan to arrive at the center via rideshare (Uber, Lyft etc.) and want to see Main Campus, you will need to walk approximately 30 minutes to Main Campus or request another rideshare after your visit to the center.