Photo Courtesy of Pepperdine University
Starting college is a difficult and exciting transition, especially if you’re a spring admit. The flowers are blooming, classes are starting, friend groups have formed and you feel … well, lost. No need to fear, here are the top five tips on how to survive being a spring admit at Pepperdine University.
#1 Get Involved
There are so many great ways to get involved on campus and meet others with similar passions. Pepperdine is home to clubs, intramural sports, Greek life and many other ways to get involved. A short list of clubs to join today are as follows: Art Club, Black Student Association, Campus Ministries, Crossroads (LGBTQ+), Green Team and The Board. Check out the Inter-Club Council (ICC) website to see the full list and learn more!
#2 Check Out On-Campus Events
Going to on-campus events is the key to meeting new people and forming those lifelong relationships. Pepperdine offers a variety of events including sports games, theater, campus ministry and everything in between. The Board distributes a monthly calendar of events that include on-campus film screenings, student-led improv and much more. Look out for posters around campus advertising specific events such as ReelStories Film Festival, Theatre Productions, Greek Life Philanthropy events and The Well. Check out these websites to find more information about upcoming events: Theatre, Sports, Student Activities and the Pepperdine Academic Calendar.
#3 Get To Know The Area
Malibu is the perfect location for any college student looking for new places to explore. Malibu is less than a few miles away from the beach, 14 miles away from Santa Monica and less than 40 miles away from Hollywood. Check out the Santa Monica Pier located south of Pepperdine’s campus along PCH. Or, take a drive into Los Angeles and catch a sports game or concert at the Staples Center. You could even stay local, grab some SunLife and hit the beach. The possibilities are endless for things to do during your study breaks! Check out Pepperdine’s “What To Do Around Malibu” for more ideas.
#4 LTL: Learn The Lingo
It’s Monday morning, and you have class in the CCB, but you’re currently in the PLC, which means you need to go past the BPC and the CAC to find your way to the HAWC stairs that will lead you to the CCB. But what do all of these acronyms mean? It’s tricky at first but, with some practice, you’ll get the hang of it!
CCB: The Center for Communication and Business, located on the hill above the Upper Residence Road.
PLC: The Pendleton Learning Center, located below the library.
BPC: The Black Family Plaza Classrooms, located to the right of Elkins Auditorium.
CAC: The Cultural Arts Center, located in between the Weisman Museum and Smothers Theatre.
The HAWC stairs: The stairs that are located to the right of the Howard A. White Center, the student hangout where you get your midnight snacks.
#5 Be Yourself
Last but not least, BE YOURSELF. College is a great time to figure out what you want to do and what type of person you want to be. Get involved with the things you’re passionate about, find people that make you a better person and make the most of your college career.
College is hard sometimes, but that doesn’t mean the transition has to be. If you find yourself struggling, don’t be afraid to reach out. Pepperdine has plenty of resources for you, including the Counseling Center. They are open all year long and have appointments that will fit with your schedule. Take the time to take care of yourself.
With these tips and tricks, you will be a Pepperdine local in no time.
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