A PARENT PERSPECTIVE

The first year at Pepperdine will be an exciting, challenging, and transforming experience for both you and your student. Parents play a critical role in student adjustment, so it is important to be equipped with helpful advice and strategies you can use to be supportive.

Social And Academic Adjustment

Homesickness is the most common challenge during the first year. Students indicate that it helps if family members keep in close contact by phone, email, and sending care packages and letters. Another area of adjustment is having a roommate and all aspects of sharing the space— especially if the student is accustomed to having their own room. Students recommend that new students wait a couple of months before going home for the first time, citing Thanksgiving to be a good first-visit goal—spending time on campus helps them connect with the Pepperdine community. Finally, going home again can be challenging because everyone has changed—the student, the family, friends, as well as the community. Encourage your student to get involved in extracurricular activities to help them further develop their leadership and social skills. Listen with an open mind to your student’s concerns. Oftentimes the academic pace can be an adjustment, and it may be overwhelming at first. And although it is important to offer your student advice, college is a time for your student to grow, so it is also necessary to allow your student to make their own choices.

HAVING A CAR: PROS AND CONS

Although it is easier to get around Los Angeles if you have a car, there are alternative ways to do so. If a student does not have a car, they are more likely to develop a strong connection to the Pepperdine University community—especially if you live in Southern California and think they will come home often. Parking is very tight, but it is free. Students are also able to rent cars by the hour by contacting our Public Safety department.

Finances

The amount of spending money a student needs varies among students. Many things to do on campus or in the Los Angeles area do not cost additional money. Frequent expenses include: recreational activities, occasional meals out, Greek organizations that require membership dues ranging from $500 to $1,000 each semester, and other campus events.

Study Abroad

For almost 60 years, Pepperdine’s nationally ranked International Programs has provided unparalleled global educational experiences that allow for adventure, personal growth, academic rigor, and a guided path to becoming a globally minded citizen. According to the Institute of International Education, Pepperdine is among the top in the nation for study abroad participation. Approximately 80 percent of Seaver students study abroad during their time as a Wave, making studying abroad a true Pepperdine tradition.

From our campus steps away from the White House in Washington, DC, to our homestay program in Buenos Aires, to one of our four locations in Europe, we can help you find the program that best suits your student. We provide opportunities for internships, general education courses, service learning, experiential learning, and cultural immersion. In addition to the offerings at our global campuses, we also offer faculty-led summer programs to places such as East Africa, Fiji, Jordan, New Zealand, and Spain. The 2024–2025 academic year application deadline is noon on Monday, September 25, 2023.

The Pepperdine Fight Song

Up on the hill in Malibu

We are the Waves of orange and blue, Waves will Waves will crush you!

We’re gonna fight! fight! fight! For Pepperdine

We’re gonna win for the orange and the blue

The mountains and the sea inspire victory In the Waves of Malibu.

We’re gonna fight! fight! fight! For Pepperdine

And show our pride now for everyone to see Come on and raise your voice to show the world your choice

And cheer our team to victory – VICTORY!!!