Most Pepperdine students are happy with the college they picked, their minor critiques of particulars giving way to an overall appreciation of the experience and benefits Pepperdine has granted them that no other school could. Students who don’t gush forth wholehearted and unwavering words of love usually cite the school’s size and social climate as the source of whatever dissatisfactions they may have. When people decide to transfer from Pepperdine, it isn’t because of the lack of dining halls and parking availability, or some qualms they have about student housing; it’s because of the other Pepperdine students and the community environment they create. For example, some religious students are dismayed to discover that many don’t share their Christian enthusiasm. Others, in contrast, find the Christian atmosphere to
be overwhelming.
Many students complain that the high schools they attended were larger and less strict than Pepperdine, with more to do on the weekends, while others with similar high school experiences find Pepperdine a welcome respite. And while some find the small campus and even smaller student population comforting, others find that Pepperdine’s quaintness inhibits their growth and restricts their social life. There’s nothing small, though, about the 125-foot cross that stands at the forefront of the Malibu campus the job of which is to proclaim loudly and clearly that Pepperdine’s mission is not merely academic.
Ultimately, Pepperdine’s considerable Christian affiliation defines it as a school. More specifically, it’s the interaction between the religious emphasis and seemingly contradictory elements—luxury automobiles, non-Christian students, high heels and mini-skirts, a broad liberal arts education with its overwhelming price tag, the desire to let loose and party once in a while—that makes Pepperdine a dynamic and truly unique environment. The most amazing thing about Pepperdine may be that it has managed to hold onto its religious inclinations while still maintaining an excellent academic reputation. The University’s mission statement affirms that “the educational process may not, with impunity, be divorced from the divine process.” This language contrasts markedly with the prevailing public opinion that religion and academic rigor simply don’t mix, and it highlights Pepperdine’s willingness to approach higher education in unconventional ways. In the end, Pepperdine is a small Christian school that really wants its students to grow into people who might make the world a better place. It is not for everyone, but it offers plenty of rewards to those willing to take advantage of the educational and spiritual environment that is, after all, the reason they built Pepperdine in the first place.
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Campus Dining at Pepperdine University
A
Pretty Good and Sanitary
The food services at Pepperdine are pretty good. There is the main cafeteria, a Le Brea, Jamba Juice, the HAWC, the law school and graduate school cafeterias for eating. They have a variety of food so that way you do not get bored. Some of the food is really good, like they have the best onion rings and fries!! Other food is not as good. But you can always find something to eat on campus and you can use your meal points at those places and others on campus.
May 26, 2012
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Health & Safety at Pepperdine University
A-
I Feel Extremely Safe
Pepperdine's campus is very safe. I have never felt in danger or unprotected. In order to get into campus you have to go through the security gate. Public Safety on campus is everywhere. All you need to do is call them and they are there. Also I know of people who leave their stuff all around campus and have had nothing stolen. I am not that trusting of people to leave my laptop or wallet around, but it is fairly safe. I always walk by myself and feel safe. Pepperdine has such a safe enviroment no one is ever scared or worried, it is very laid back and peaceful.
May 26, 2012
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Greek Life at Pepperdine University
B+
Greek Life Is Very Prominent
You do not have to be in the Greek life at Pepperdine, but it does not hurt. There is no Greek housing at Pepperdine. Greek students do not treat non Greek life students any different than those who are Greek. There are just less opportunities to be social if you are not in the Greek life. Most events you can go to but you have to pay to get in if you are a non Greek. Both of them get along, it is just personal feelings to be in it or not.
May 26, 2012
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User rating for Pepperdine University is
3.5 out of 5
based on 531 user reviews.
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- Jackie Fetzer
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- English Writing and Rhetoric
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