Pepperdine University Top Questions

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The best thing about Pepperdine is the relations you make with the people and the professors. Everyone is, for the most part, friendly and outgoing people. If you are not social or open to new things you will hate Pepperdine or any college in general. Here, we are very social and a lot of people are greek so you could easily be outcast if you are not outgoing or social. Like few people I know. I would definitely change the housing arrangements and have an awesome grassy quad in the middle of them so we could really have a central location to chill and hang out. My school is just right in size. Everything is so easily accessible and in very clear walking distance that it makes life fairly simple. There are always people coming in and out what with sophomores going abroad and seniors leaving and freshman coming in so there are always different and new faces. People react in outrageous ways! Most people do not even know of Pepperdine but when you tell them where its at they instantly thing highly of it and they have so many questions about it but really it just college. A lot of people treat me differently now that they know I go to Pepperdine, as if im a new found bible pusher or a stuck up Malibu kid. I'm not that at all, and most people here aren't either. I usually soend most of my studying time in the caf on the couches, my chill time in the Sandbar of out in front of my dorm and a lot of time off campus. Malibu is a somewhat mediocre college town as it provides shopping centers and cool hangouts spots and such but nothing compared to College towns like Boulder or SLO. Our administration is awesome, I worked there for a bit and loved it. The people who decide on applications are very genuine and caring people and all of our officials are amazing as well. Including our awesome and outgoing President Anthony K. Benton. Biggest controversy on campus recently was when two creepers came onto campus and threatened to "touch" the girls. all is well now. There is a lot of school pride in general but not for sports. Anything unusual about our school? For it to be a conservative Christian school there are a lot of gay people here. No one acknowledges it though. So Weird and Creepy. Getting to know all my suite mates and pledging my fraternity are two major things I will not forget from freshman year. Most frequent student complaints are about the food in the Caf and going to convocation on Wednesday morning.

It's hard not to love Pepperdine. Coming from a graduating high school class of 67 people, I knew I needed to make the move to a larger student body. Pepperdine, with roughly 3,000 students, is an ideal size. Because of the favorable student to professor ratio possible with a school this size, classes are infinitely better than those of larger schools. Your professors know you by name, have your class over for dinner sometimes, and take the time to invest in each student. This is consistent with the very first impression I had of Pepperdine when I visited in 2008: the people here are incredibly kind. And it's the quality of the people that has really made Pepperdine a cut above for me. I know it's not Harvard, but the University does a good job of balancing faith (we are a Christian school, Church of Christ affiliated but you don't have to be a part of the Church of Christ to be accepted here) with good academics. Some students complain about the rules associated with a Christian school -- no drinking on campus, convocation attendance requirements, etc., but I don't think they detract from the experience. The most unique part of the Pepperdine experience, hands down, is its amazing international programs (one of the best in the country). Most students go abroad, and I've never met anyone who did not say it was the most fantastic, life-changing, eye-opening experience experience ever. I know several people who came to Pepperdine solely for its international programs, and not one has been disappointed. As an alumna of three different programs offered in London, I can attest to this. I love answering people's questions about studying abroad because I believe so strongly in the benefits and life-long friendships which await each student somewhere between London and Athens and Jerusalem and Cairo. Pepperdine is not known for school spirit, but when it comes to international programs, students will go to their grave defending their study program as the best one. Malibu, on the other hand, is not really a college town. It's small, it goes to bed pretty early, and it's more rural than the movies make you believe. However, it's got a unique culture all its own and the landscape is gorgeous. With a clear view of the ocean every day, I have to remind myself to slow down and enjoy the beauty we're surrounded with here. It's great for hikes, beach trips, surfing, etc. For more things to do, though, Santa Monica, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Venice, or wherever you heart desires in the Los Angeles area are all in easy driving distance. Even San Diego is only a couple of hours down the coast. If I could change one thing about Pepperdine, I'd add more majors. They're always in the process of improving and adding to the course offerings, but still there are things we should offer, but we do not. There are a few too many General Education requirements, especially if you go abroad for the year and may not be able to take certain courses in your program, but if you plan them out in your freshman year you can complete them in plenty of time. The administration here is generally great. Every school has its difficulties with administrators, ours included, but students are typically fond of our admin because they teach classes, serve as faculty for international programs, and have open-door policies. You can go to lunch with the Dean, a concept reportedly foreign to many other schools. Our President has his own band -- he's the epitome of cool, and his popularity with the students is matched only by the size of his intellect and heart.

I love Pepperdine. The location is pretty much unbeatable. Not only does the campus (and some of the dorm rooms) overlook the Pacific Ocean, we are really close to Los Angeles. Santa Monica is about 20 minutes away, and (without traffic) Disneyland is about an hour away. Pepperdine is big enough to offer its students lots of opportunities (for example, you can take classes from faculty member Tom Shadyac, who directed movies like Liar Liar, Patch Adams, and Bruce Almighty) but not so big that you get lost (I have never taken a major class with more than twenty people in it, and most GE classes are limited to around 50 people). The dorms are HUGE, especially compared to those of my friends who go to schools like UCLA. There are downsides to Pepperdine, just like every other school. Even though the location is superb, Pepperdine was built on the side of a mountain, and chances are that no matter where you want to go on campus, you will have to walk uphill to get there. Most people complain about the food, though in my personal opinion the biggest problem with the caf is the lack of variety, and the quality of the food improves every year. However, there are few options for vegetarian students--you won't starve, but you probably won't be very happy.

Pepperdine is absolutely amazing. True, it's not the perfect fit for everybody, but for students who want a campus that is not too large, but not too small, then Pepperdine is perfect. The campus itself is beautiful, but it would be nice if it was a little more accessible to the shops and restaurants in Malibu. The campus is built on different levels, so students do not need to worry too much about gaining the Freshman 15 as they will be walking (and climbing stairs) all over campus. It is said that Pepperdine students live in a sort of bubble, as they are a bit secluded from the rest of Malibu and do not usually get worked up over political or societal issues. However, after trips to Los Angeles or surrounding cities, it can be nice to retreat to the quiet area of Malibu. There is plenty to do around the area, if not always on campus, but students have to be willing to find things to do and drive to get there. One of my favorite things about Pepperdine is how they encourage students to study abroad their sophomore year. They have programs in England, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, China, and Argentina. I studied abroad in London and absolutely loved the experience!

Pepperdine is absolutely amazing. True, it's not the perfect fit for everybody, but for students who want a campus that is not too large, but not too small, then Pepperdine is perfect. The campus itself is beautiful, but it would be nice if it was a little more accessible to the shops and restaurants in Malibu. The campus is built on different levels, so students do not need to worry too much about gaining the Freshman 15 as they will be walking (and climbing stairs) all over campus. It is said that Pepperdine students live in a sort of bubble, as they are a bit secluded from the rest of Malibu and do not usually get worked up over political or societal issues. However, after trips to Los Angeles or surrounding cities, it can be nice to retreat to the quiet area of Malibu. There is plenty to do around the area, if not always on campus, but students have to be willing to find things to do and drive to get there.

I write this for one reason and one reason only------Don't make the mistake of listening to people who say Pepperdine students don't party. In my experience that is utterly unfounded. When I was at Pepperdine ('04-'08) there was a great party scene. I visited my friends at various state schools-- their parties didn't come CLOSE to the ones we used to have/go to. Where else can you party in Multi-Million dollar mansions by the beach? Where else can you have bonfires on private beaches? Where else can you go to a party and actually KNOW a lot of the people there?.. Not to mention there are a lot of beautiful girls and many of the guys are douchers (hey, I'm a guy). A cool guy can do amazingly well at this school. If you're a big fish, this is your ideal pond. If you're a little insecure and unsure of yourself, you might want to look into other options. Pepperdine's social life can be very exclusive. You've gotta TRY. But hey, for some of us, this comes easy. If that's you. You will LOVE this school.

Pepperdine's campus is gorgeous! Its built into the hills so you have a view of the ocean from practically everywhere on campus. I also love how small of a school Pepperdine is, a lot of the faculty live in housing just above the campus too and they have their students over for dinner a lot which is really nice. Its a very community-oriented school which is so nice. I didn't want to go to a big school and just be one of the crowd, you don't get as many of the perks as big schools at Pepperdine, but you get a great community instead. The main thing people complain about is if they don't have a car they're stuck. Most of the time you can find a ride because lots of people have cars, but there's really nothing to walk to off campus, you have to drive about 20 minutes to get to anything worthwhile other than the Ralph's across the street which is the only thing open in Malibu after 10.

Pepperdine is a pretty small school. For the most part, you'll know your class well. The intimacy is comforting. It also provides close relationships with the professors which is great. Malibu is definitely NOT meant to be a college town. It's too secluded, and the beach is pretty much the best thing here. However, Santa Monica is just a short drive away, as is Los Angeles.

Pepperdine to me is the most beautiful school but also a school where students and professors are driven to be successful. The school is just the right size so that students are ablet o get one on one time in their classes with their professors. When I tel;l people I go to Pepperdine most are impressed and ask me how i got in. It's also located in the beautiful town of Malibu and theres a great beach right across the street. Also it's only 15 mins from LA. so on weekends you can have you wild fun time and weekdays your back in a relaxed calm enviroment where you can concentrate on your studies.

Pepperdine is the perfect size and in the picture perfect beach location! Although Malibu itself does not have much to offer students, the surroundings areas do. I love it there.

Pepperdine is quite small, but its great for making close friends and ties. You will get to know your many professors on a personal level which is great and may help you in the long run. Not much really happens on campus though, and I tend to leave to have some fun or find an activity I enjoy. Convocation, which is mandatory, can eat you up at times, but its not as horrible as it sounds. It's intent is to be inspirational. Although there are many things i disagree with in the school, i've managed to enjoy my first year.

Pepperdine has everything you could ever want; you just have to go get it. It has something for everybody.

Pepperdine is religious, there's no getting past that. However, while you have to go to convos and stuff, its not that big of a deal. They have a bunch of religious opportunities if you want, but f you dont want to have the religious side of it, you don't really have to. Parking is a bitch... no other way to put it. Campus size is good, you see new people but you see you friends a lot walking past. The good thing about walking is that you can walk almost everywhere on campus since its somewhat small, but its hilly and seems like a lot of walking at first. There really isn't all that much to do in Malibu, but Santa Monica is down the coast about half an hour and USC and UCLA are about the same to drive to. Pepperdine administration can be really close-minded, but you dont encounter conflicts that much. Greek life is big, along with a few of the sports. The people are generally cool.

Pepperdine is a great school to say that you go to. I've meet people from all over the United States and they seemto be impressed. They don't know much about the academics, but they do know the location, and that seems great. And while the location is great for impressing future bosses, it's not so great for being a college student. I look old as hell, so I'm treated ok, but it's a pretty constant grumble from the locals about the college students. The schools it's self is really small though. Sometime you just need to get away. Out of the so called "Pepperdine Bubble", but Santa Monica and LA are great for that. Just make sure that you have a car, or find a new best friend that does. I didn't have a car for a month once, and it sucked. Even getting groceries was a task. And don't be fooled by how close the beach looks. You really don't want to walk there, and it's about a good 10 min drive to the good beaches up PCH. The campus dies a pretty good job of providing students with options for the weekends. With free movies, concerts, and shows. It's a small campus though, that means that everything here is small, there's usually one big concert at the end of the year, but other then that things here are pretty low key.

Pepperdine is a smaller campus where you feel appreciated and connected. You can meet with professors over coffee and discuss what your plans are and ask questions about classes. You can pretty much know the majority of people on campus and feel like you can make a difference. Getting involved is not hard at all...just find your niche and go to work. I was able to write for the newspaper in my first week as a freshman, better my leadership skills in a number of programs such as Jumpstart on campus, and get a circle of friends that I wouldn't change for the world!

If you like the small classroom atmosphere this is the place to be. The professors are amazing and want to help you.

Pepperdine is the most beautiful campus I have ever seen. The only complaint I have about Malibu is the fact that it is pretty isolated. It is a small town, but the good thing is that LA isn't far away if thats what you're looking for and the beach is just a minute away. Pepperdine is a very small school and it definitely has the small school feel. I like the fact that when I walk around campus I always run into someone I know, but of course that could be bad for some people as well. I spend most of my time on campus in the caf, the library, or watching the athletic games. Pepperdine administration usually really tries to work with the students, but it is at times very frustrating and restricting. But our student government is very involved with changing things at Pepperdine. Most students complaints usually are from getting alcohol violations and being put on probation since it is a dry campus.

The best thing about Pepperdine is the campus. It's breathtakingly beautiful, even when its overcast or foggy. There are always flowers somewhere on campus, and the view of the Pacific Ocean is incomparable. Whenever you're stressed about classwork, it's easy to go outside and find someplace peaceful to ease away your worries. Another great thing about the school is the friendliness of the professors. Many of my professors have invited the class into their homes for meals or movies, and they are almost always accessible and willing to work with you. On the other hand, the administration can be more difficult, at least at the lower levels. Every time I go into Academic Advising or the Career Center, I've gotten little to no help from them, and sometimes they create more problems than they solve. Another problem is the location. Malibu is the most overrated college town in America. Nothing is cheap or convenient, and there is almost nothing to do on the weekends without driving 20 minutes to Santa Monica or L.A. However, the tedium is sometimes broken up with a somewhat-frightening-but-still-kind-of-exciting natural disaster of some sort, such as the fires that plagued us last fall. We all had to evacuate to the cafeteria, which was super-crowded, and the food supplies were less than tasty, but we got to miss two days of school, and there were helicopters everywhere and you could see the flames from just yards away. The scary thing was that most of the rest of the country seemed to know a lot more about what was going on than we did, because the administration didn't tell us much. Still, it was an experience I'll never forget.

pepperdine is way too strict, it's way too expensive, and they try to charge you for everything. sure the campus is beautiful, but there is absolutely nothing to do in malibu. the parking is scarce despite many attempts of DPS to counter that point. the housing lottery to make things "fair" is ridiculous. pepperdine fosters sheltered and stunted growth of its students by monitoring almost every waking moment or decision. students should be allowed to succeed or fail at their own discretion. however, if you are one who can't fathom growing up and like that sheltered feeling than pepperdine is the perfect place for you.