LANDON PHILLIPS/Assistant Art Editor
STAFF EDITORIAL
Congratulations, new students. You have officially entered entered the wacky, yet wonderful world of Malibu.
The superb beaches that have you breathless, celebrity sightings and the trendy shopping boutiques are not the only highlights this infamous surft town has to offer —although, it is fun to tell friends and strangers that you stomp on the grounds where Mel Gibson gets sauced, Ferrari’s go off-road and people live in castles, literally.
You might be surprised and maybe more content about what Pepperdine brings to the table. Here are some events that you must not miss, big tips on how to have a fun year (while still keeping up with classes) and make new friends.
The crazy dorm life
Every college student needs to experience the dorm life. However, with the ocean view, weekly cleaning help from the maids and helpful Residential Advisors (RAs) or Spiritual Life Advisors (SLAs), obviously, Pepperdine doesn’t have a typical college living arrangement. The unique atmosphere of the dorms and feeling of safeness allows for dorm rooms to be open almost all the time. This bizarre concept of leaving your door open is the easiest way to make friends and feel more connected with your fellow classmates. Note: it also helps with the stuffiness of the air and makes the room feel bigger than it appears. Also, don’t forget to stock your room with video games for the Wii, or Guitar Hero; not only do they entice people to join the fun, but they will give you a break from the long dreadful nights of homework. Don’t worry, the dorm life is easy to get used to and it is great to have support from other students, like the RAs and SLAs who can help you adjust to the life of a college student.
Cafeteria
Quesadillas, steak and potatoes, grilled cheese sandwiches, salads and cookies are only some of the foods that are created by our friendly chefs. And as a freshman you will most likely be eating in the Café a lot, so take the time to meet all the employees, especially Cindy, the smiling ladywho takes your meal points from your card. Speaking of meal points, want to make buddies with the upperclassmen? Offer your points to those active athletes and busy students who opt not to buy meal points and would rather use yours. Maybe they’ll give you a tip or two while you surrender your card to pay for their lunch.
While you are deliciously enjoying your lunch at the Café, keep an eye out for President Andrew K. Benton, who frequently eats with students at the Café (and usually pays the bill).
Club sports and intramurals
If you played a sport in high school but can’t be fully committed to a Division 1 sport at Pepperdine, or even if you need a little exercise throughout the week, join a club sport.
Pepperdine has 16 club sports and can always use a freshman addition. Such club sports include Ultimate Frisbee, rugby, men’s soccer, surfing, sailing, ice hockey, fencing and snowboarding. You can also play at the intramural level which is even less time consuming. So freshmen, go out and try something new. College is a time for exploration and independence.
Volunteer events
Pepperdine is thoroughly committed to serving others and it will be a large part of your Pepperdine experience. There are many different volunteer programs so you can discover the right avenue. Step Forward Day, on Sept. 8, will be your first Pepperdine service. It is an event that we have a lot of passion for, and we take pride in the thousands of people who serve at more than 50 work sites spanning from Ventura County to downtown Los Angeles.
There are so many things to be excited about at Pepperdine, so don’t waste another minute pondering how to fill your time: Get involved and enjoy the ride.
08-27-2007