Some of you might be wondering - what about the smaller schools? Well, I am here to help. I attend Pepperdine University, Pepperdine is a small Christian school located along the Santa Monica Mountains in Malibu, California. There were many reasons why I chose Pepperdine. I had previously lived in Cincinnati, Ohio for all of my life, and while I enjoyed it there, I wanted to get out and try something new. I applied to ten different schools across the nation, both public and private, large and small, everywhere from neighboring cities to halfway across the country. I visited a few campuses, and Pepperdine seemed so right to me because of the cozy atmosphere, the amazing location, and the relationships students build with their professors. They don’t make you feel like you are just a number a Pepperdine. Forty percent of the professors live on campus, and for the most part are both willing and eager to meet with their students often, sometimes even having them over for dinner. The classes are really small, with most having about 15-20 students in them. Most of my professors encouraged a lot of class discussion, so it was not just listening to them lecture all the time.
Pepperdine is affiliated with the Church of Christ, and along with that comes many optional worship services and groups, as well as some strict rules that everyone must abide involving alcohol and the opposite sex. It’s a dry campus, meaning alcohol is prohibited anywhere on school property or at school events. Also, boys have to be out of girls’ dorms by 1am and girls have to be out of boys’ dorms by 1am as well. Along with that, no one is allowed to be in a “sexually compromising” position with another person. Other than that, it’s really pretty lenient with rules as far as a Christian school is concerned. It’s definitely one of the more conservative schools out there, and it often feels like we live in a bubble. It also has a great homey feel, and you never have to worry about it being unsafe walking around by yourself.
Though it was really hard to be that far from home at first, college life is a big transition for anyone. I think some people prefer to stay closer to home, but if you are willing to step out of your comfort zone into something completely new to you, it’s really exciting and a great opportunity for growth. After taking some time to adjust to wherever you choose, almost every college experience is amazing. I went from having a really hard time being on the other side of the country to spending the next year abroad in Germany, which by the way, I also really recommend studying abroad if it’s a possibility.
Maybe small classes aren’t important to you or you want a big school with a party atmosphere. Perhaps you want something private but not Christian. You have so many options with all the colleges out there, but I strongly encourage you do an overnight stay with a student in the places you go. People who do this generally get a really good feel for the university, different than just taking a standard tour of the general campus.
Personally, I am enjoying my time here at Pepperdine. I spent a good amount of time considering my options and my preferences for a college, and I think that I found just the right match for me. Good luck with your search.
or
