There’s a general consensus among Pepperdine students that one of the best things about the school is the beautiful campus. “
It's breathtakingly beautiful, even when it’s overcast or foggy,” says a senior. “
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.” Students say the small college can feel a little cramped at times, but for the most part, fellow students and faculty provide a family away from home. A communications major says, “
It’s 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 [at] big schools at Pepperdine, but you get a great community instead.”
The small population translates into intimate classroom settings. Even in gen-eds students have the opportunity to build relationships with their professors in and outside of class. A sociology sophomore writes, “
A lot of the professors live close to or on campus, so they are very personal. Some might invite you for dinner and study sessions at their houses. They want to see you succeed and will help you reach your goals.” Academics at Pepperdine are challenging, but not impossible, students say. The school requires that all students regularly attend convocation (chapel) services, and attendance is enforced through a grading system. “
Students are expected to attend 14 convocations per semester (equates to 1 per week) to get an A, and the grade is lowered if you make fewer than 14 convocations,” reports a freshman. The study abroad program at Pepperdine is huge, and the school encourages all students to spend semesters in one of its many programs around the world. “
Major props on this,” states a music major. A business major writes, “
The abroad program is big here; probably about half of the students go abroad in their sophomore year... either for a semester or the whole year.”
Perhaps owing to the school's Christian vibe, students are fairly conservative. Many come from upper- and upper-middle-class families in California, but students from Bible Belt states are also well-represented. Racially and ethnically, Pepperdine is pretty homogeneous, but students seem to think diversity is displayed in the broad interests of the students. “
Pepperdine, despite its stereotypes, has a pretty diverse student body. Not necessarily demographically (it is mostly white), but personality-wise Pepperdine students are all over the place,” says a freshman. The university's spiritual foundation is a draw for some, but not all, undergrads. A junior majoring in government notes, “
Not all Pepperdine students are Christians, though most are, but there is a mix of both conservatives and liberals—and everything in between.” Students say anyone with beliefs that don’t align with the college’s Christian theology won’t be ostracized, and many comment that there’s a vocal gay and lesbian population on campus.
Athletics and Greek life are the most prominent extracurricular activities at Pepperdine. There isn’t a football team, so spectator sports don’t have much of a presence on campus even though the men’s volleyball team is one of the best in the country. However, many students do join club sports and intramurals. Greek life is popular on campus, but anyone not interested in joining shouldn’t worry about not finding a niche because student housing can become quite chummy. “
It's easy to meet people because you automatically have a little family [with those] that you live with in your suite of eight,” says a sophomore majoring in communications. The school holds events on campus to keep kids entertained, like Songfest, an annual student musical production, or Spring Fling, “
where you can stay up for Disneyland tickets.” However, because it’s a “dry” campus, most social activity happens off school grounds. Partying is more common in off-campus student houses, and since Malibu doesn’t host an
Animal House nightlife scene, students commute for collegiate camaraderie. An economics freshman reports, “
A lot of people will drive to USC, UCLA, or even UCSB on the weekends to experience your typical college party scene, seeing as Pepperdine really doesn't offer it.”
The host town of Malibu is the main complaint of Pepperdine students. “
Malibu is not the greatest place for a college. The restaurants are expensive and there aren't a ton of choices,” says a music major. And though many think Malibu can be yawn-worthy, a cynical senior points out, “
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.” Those willing to put forth a little effort (and gas money) can easily find action in Santa Monica or L.A. on the weekends. A junior writes, “
It's only 15 [minutes] from L.A., so on weekends you can have your wild fun time and weekdays you’re back in a relaxed, calm environment where you can concentrate on your studies.” And isn’t that why these students are here? Or was it for the view…
