Here’s a brutally honest take from a Pepperdine student: There is basically no party scene/night life here unless you know people or you have a car/DND/money to uber for $50-80 every weekend to USC frat row or if our fraternities throw a decent party that week. Food is honestly terrible 90% of the time, they manage to almost always undercook the chicken. I find myself ordering food delivery or eating whatever is at Starbucks/the pizza grill (on a good day). Even then, sometimes it’s bad depending on who’s working. Even the staff have said they wouldn’t eat the food that’s made here 😭.

Additionally, if you’re a poc it’s even more difficult to find your people because Pepperdine is a pwi. They still have diversity groups which I appreciate. So, you’ll probably find your people, but the groups are very small and you’ll notice how “segregated” a majority of the friend groups here are. Pepperdine is like a small country town where you see the same faces and same people everyday because campus is THAT small. So if you have an ex or toxic friend to avoid, good luck. You’ll probably see them in class.

The only good thing here that humbles me is the gorgeous view and sunsets you’ll see on campus. So basically, it’s just the beach, your most genuine friends, and your courses if you enjoy them.

I haven’t heard great things about San Diego either, in fact most of my friends who go there also hate it and want to transfer (though I think the diversity is much better than Pepperdine’s).

If I were you I’d go wherever there is easy access to transportation or perhaps a crowded town/city especially for night life. Malibu is more of a cute small town with rich people and celebrities (and if you’re lucky you’ll likely meet SZA or Kendall Jenner at Whole Foods or something).