MARY WISNIEWSKI
Assistant Living Editor
It would be hard to complain about the Pepperdine view. After all, not every school has an ocean view. But what if a room with a view is all you have?
Even though it doesn’t seem like it, not everyone on campus owns a car. And even for those who do, it may not work all the time. So for those students without wheels, whether temporary or permanent, here are a few tips on how to get away from campus.
Step one: Use your friends
Friends have cars for a reason, and you might as well be one of them. So call them up and get a ride. Everyone enjoys a distraction, even if it means playing the taxi cab driver. Remember, you’re just giving your friends a break from their homework.
If you don’t want to ask friends straight up for a ride, hint at it. Say things like, “Wow, I really could use some Bayer at the grocery store,” or “I never knew how important it was to go to Duke’s for Taco Tuesday.” Eventually, they will get the idea.
Step Two: Desperate Times Mean Call a Cab
OK, so your friends won’t come through and give you a ride. But Pepperdine isn’t a jail, and you can still break free. In fact, Malibu offers several cab companies, so use them on a necessary basis. It’s a worthy investment to not be the only remaining person on campus for the weekend.
If you have to get out, call a cab. Besides, who says you have to go a long way? It only costs around $5 to get a short distance down Pacific Coast Highway. Plus, you can sucker your other carless friends to come with you and share the cost.
Step Three: Take the Pepperdine Shuttle
You may have heard the rumors, and if you’re one of the lucky ones, you may have seen them. Pepperdine shuttles do exist, and they will take you off campus if needed. Just look for the white vans that frequent Rho parking lot.
They will take you to the bank, the grocery store and most importantly, Malibu Yo. They won’t take you to Santa Monica, though – you’ll have to find other means to get that far. Just remember, the buses run on a schedule and won’t wait for you. Services are limited, but at least the shuttles will get you somewhere other than the HAWC.
Step Four: Take some mass transportation
It’s true. The 434 bus runs up to Santa Monica, and there are other connections beyond. There is a bus stop just a few steps from the intersection of Seaver Drive and Malibu Canyon Road. Beware, though: The schedule is infrequent and the drivers occasionally go on strike. I speak from personal experience. As much fun as waiting three hours for a bus ride can be, I would rather wait for Godot. So always check the bus schedule online, or call city hall. Unless, of course, you have an overwhelming desire to procrastinate or sit on a bench.
Step Five: Walk
This is not recommended. Neither PCH nor the Alumni Park sprinklers are pedestrian friendly, but walking is an option. Ralphs is just 15 minutes away by foot.
There is a bike lane on PCH, and you can make it yours. Hopefully, cars will not swerve into it. For extra protection, wear one of those neon green jackets. Perhaps they’ll be the next Malibu trend.
Step 6: There’s always next year to get a car
So this year wasn’t your year. It’s OK – enjoy the solitude while it lasts. Maybe next year, you can get a car or make some friends who will drive you around. Or at least you might be able to put your cash toward a golf cart.
09-22-2005
