GET TO KNOW THE UNC SYSTEM
Whether you already have a college list or you are just beginning your search, the UNC System Virtual Open House is a simple way to explore universities across North Carolina.
During four live Zoom sessions, university representatives from all of North Carolina’s 16 public universities will share helpful information about admissions, academic programs, and unique campus communities, and current students will discuss their college experiences and answer questions live.
2026 UNC System Virtual Open House
October 5, 6, 12 & 13 | 6:30 – 7:45 p.m. on Zoom
What to expect
To help kick off NC Countdown to College, the UNC System will host a series of four virtual open house sessions via Zoom Webinar during the first two weeks in October.
Choose your sessions
Each webinar will feature four UNC System universities. Start with universities you already know or join several sessions and discover a few you may not have considered.
Meet the universities
University representatives will introduce their universities, highlight academic opportunities, and share helpful information about the application process.
Hear from current students
Get the student perspective on classes, community, campus life, and the experiences that have shaped their time in college.
Ask questions live
Have a question? Submit it using the webinar Q&A feature to hear answers from admissions counselors and current students.
2026 UNC System Virtual Open House
Sessions hosted 6:30–7:45 p.m. each evening on Zoom.
Monday, October 5, 2026
Tuesday, October 6, 2026
Monday, October 12, 2026
Tuesday, October 13, 2026
Start exploring
What do you want from your college experience? A certain major? A close-knit community? A city, college town, mountain, or coastal setting?
The UNC System includes 16 unique universities with different programs, places, and student experiences.
GET READY TO APPLY
October marks the beginning of NC Countdown to College, a statewide effort to help high school seniors complete three important steps towards college enrollment: residency, financial aid, and college applications.
Use the Virtual Open House to learn about UNC System universities and expand your college list. Then prepare for College Application Week (October 19-25, 2026), when many participating North Carolina colleges and universities waive applications fees through CFNC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should attend?
The Virtual Open House is designed for prospective students moving from high school to college. Families, high school counselors, and other student supporters are also welcome to register.
Current community college, college, and university students are encouraged to attend the UNC System Virtual Transfer Fair to ask detailed questions about transfer credits, degree programs, admission requirements, deadlines, and next steps for transfer students.
Do I need to know where I want to go before attending?
Not at all. The Virtual Open House is designed to help you begin or expand your college search. You can explore universities already on your list and discover options that may be new to you.
Do I need to attend all four sessions?
No. Each session features a different group of universities. Attend the sessions that interest you or join all four for a broader look at the UNC System. Miss a session? Don’t worry! All sessions will be recorded and posted on this page.
Can I ask questions?
Yes! Submit questions live through the webinar Q&A feature. Admissions counselors and current students will answer questions live during each session.
Will I speak individually with university representatives?
The Virtual Open House uses a Zoom Webinar format. You will hear presentations from multiple universities and can ask questions through the Q&A feature, but there are no individual university breakout rooms. Contact information for each Admissions office will be provided as a virtual handout.
If you have additional questions, please contact Kari Myrtle-Posey, Director of Admissions Operations and Analysis: kmyrtleposey@northcarolina.edu.