Welcome to Pepperdine, or “The Island” as its’ often referred.
Don’t let the nickname frighten you. Get settled. Find your groove and fall in step with the rest of Seaver campus and learn all the tricks of the trade here in Malibu.
But be warned. Unless you have a car, or really nice friends, getting off campus is daunting and down right difficult.
Luckily, if you’re willing to hunt for a few of the hidden secrets of Pepperdine, getting off campus will be ridiculously simple. And even luckier for you, you’re reading the right article to help you onto the proper path to enjoying the Malibu and Los Angeles community. Remember, everything needs a little bit of research no matter how exhilarating and rebellious flying blind can be. So, don’t think that going off to explore Los Angeles with some money and a keen sense of direction will get you far. L.A. is notorious for being one of the most confusing places to navigate. And it’ll most likely confuse you as well unless you’re properly prepared.
First thing first, it is plausible to get around the immediate area surrounding Pepperdine’s campus.
Need to hit up Ralphs or CVS? You can do it. Maybe you’re feeling the need to satisfy your sweet tooth with a Crumb’s cupcake? You can do that as well. Bank run? Pepperdine’s got that covered. Pepperdine’s campus might seem like a castle up in the sky above a fantastic ocean view, but getting back to the ground isn’t difficult — if you know what to do.
Don’t be afraid to search through the Pepperdine website because if you look hard enough,you’ll find many golden nuggets of useful information. For instance, Pepperdine has a shopping shuttle service. More like vans than buses, students have the opportunity to get shuttled to a variety of locations in Pepperdine’s general vicinity.
With pick up locations throughout campus — Rho parking lot is one of them — and drop–off locations anywhere from Bank of America toMcDonald’s, you’re sure to find a place to your liking. And with a continuous block of times ranging from noon to early evening Mondays through Saturdays, the Malibu Shopping Shuttle is the perfect thing for last minute grocery trips. And, it also offers a nice reprieve from a long week of imprisonment on campus.
If you’re looking to escape from Malibu altogether, perhaps it’s time to tackle the Los Angeles Metro system. Also known as public trans for those well-versed in bus travel, this form of escape offers an even more options for you to discover and get off the island.
A bus stop is located at the bottom of Seaver Drive (the outrageously big hill at the entrance to campus) on either side of Malibu Canyon Road. The bus stop opposite to campus is your golden ticket to Santa Monica. Catch the Metro Express Line 534 and you’re on your way to Third Street Promenade and Santa Monica Pier.
Don’t be afraid to talk to the bus drivers and ask questions. They are your trusted guides to navigating through Santa Monica and the city beyond. Buses run from very early in the morning to early evening. Don’t be late to catch the last bus (check the schedule online) or else you’ll be left to find a bench somewhere in Santa Monica.
Public trans not your thing? Then check out Hertz on Demand.
With a valid license and access to a computer, you can sign up online (which can be accessed from the first page you see when you login to Wavenet) and a week later (if approved) you’ll receive your magical card in your campus mailbox.
With your new registration information, login online to the Hertz on Demand site and rent a car. Easy as pie. The cars have GPS, which is fabulous for those directionally challenged. And, Hertz on Demand has a car pick up location right on campus, so, no need to wait for the company to bring you the car. Just walk down to Rho parking lot and there you go. Wheels for your travelling pleasure.
Now you have no excuse for not ever leaving campus. Remember to charge your phone in case any mishaps occur and either print out directions or a map of your target destination, just in case you get lost.
Take advantage of the amazing city Pepperdine is part of and don’t be afraid to explore.
