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.