Skip Navigation

Seaver Parents Program

A Parent's FAQ

We get questions from parents every year, so started compiling this list of common concerns.  If you have a question that you'd like to see on here contact us.

Q: What are the biggest adjustments during the first year?
A: Homesickness and leaving the family behind are challenges during the first year.  Students indicate that it helps if family members keep in close contact by phone, e-mail, sending care packages and letters.  Other items that make them smile are quarters for the laundry, coupons, cookies and things that remind them of home.  Another area of adjustment is having a roommate and all aspects of sharing the space--especially if student is accustomed to having his/her own room.  The academic pace can be an adjustment since most Pepperdine University students were successful in high school.  This environment can be more competitive.  Finally, going home again can be challenging because everyone has changed--the student, the family, friends, as well as the community.
Q: When is the best time to travel home for the first time?
A: Students recommend that new students wait a couple months before going home for the first time, citing Thanksgiving to be a good goal.  Being here forces you to connect.
Q: How can she/he call home?
A: Each student has a personal long distance authorization code to use when calling long distance from any campus phone.  Use of this code results in a phone bill sent directly to the student.  It is also possible to arrange a separate long distance service provider or purchase pre-paid phone cards.  There is one phone line in each bedroom. Students wishing to use cellular phones on the Malibu campus will find that AT&T™ and Verizon™ enjoy the best cell coverage. Cell phone representatives will be on campus during the New Student Orientation in August with the latest phones and subscription plans for students.
Q: How are the students billed?
A: All charges are assessed to the student's financial account and charged at the start of each semester.   Please call One Stop at (310) 506-7999 for details related to addresses, fee schedules, etc...
Q: What do students do when they get sick?
A: Extensive medical services are available at the on-campus Student Health Center Monday through Friday, 8:00am-4:00pm.  A $70.00 fee is charged to the account when he/she has the first visit each semester.  Subsequent visits during the same semester range from $15-$50.  The Malibu Urgent Care Center is located in the city of Malibu near Cross Creek and PCH.  Additionally, students have access to a 24-hour medical hotline called PEP-RN. The number is 1-800-413-0848.  On Call for any medical attention after business hours--the University has trained response personnel to evaluate any health emergency.
Q: What are students allowed to do to the room?
A: The rooms are furnished with a bed, dresser, desk, bookcase and coolwave (refrigerator/microwave unit).  These items must remain in the room.  Students are free to personalize and accessorize the rooms any way they want within the following guidelines: refrain from installing objects on the wall that leave a hole greater then 1/2 inch or use adhesive materials; the walls may not be painted in any way; do not bring fire hazards such as halogen lamps, candles, toasters, BBQs, etc; and do not use cinderblocks or furniture to loft the furniture.
Q: What amenities are allowed in the room?
A: Individual microwave units, refrigerators or air conditioners are not allowed due to the strain on available electricity in each building.  Sparkletts water service may be arranged if students are interested. 
Q: Do students need a car?
A: The answer to this question is not easy.  Here are common responses from students when it comes up: It is easier to have a car--especially if you are used to having one, but there are ways to get rides with other students.  If you do not have a car and you want to get off campus (and you will want to) you have to drive with someone else you may or may not know very well.  If you don't have a car, you are more likely to become more connected to the Pepperdine University community--especially if you live in Southern California and think you will go home often.  Parking is very tight, but it is free. Click here to check-out Connect by Hertz. Students are able to rent cars by the hour.
Q: What student jobs are offered?
A: Students can find off-campus and on-campus employment through the Student Employment Office.  There are many jobs available throughout the campus.  Many students have financial aid packages that require student employment each semester.  Whatever the reason, on campus employment is no only a good source of additional income, but also a way to get connected to this community, to meet other students and professional staff members.
Q: Generally, how much money do students need and what do they spend it on?
A: The amount of spending money a student needs varies between students.  There are many things to do on campus or in the Los Angeles area that do not cost additional money.  The amount is also impacted by the financial responsibilities of the student--for example, will the student be responsible for paying a monthly phone bill or need cash for gas?  After that is determined, other frequent expenses include: recreational activites such as movies, occasional meals out, Greek organizations require membership dues that can range from $200-$425 each semester; some campus events, such as formal dances, can create additional costs.  There are many on-campus student employment opportunities available--please see the Student Employment office or website.
Q: What should she/he bring?
A: Students may bring whatever they might need (i.e. iron/ironing board, computer, alarm clock, etc.)  Some items that are recommended: a study lamp and a flashlight.  Telephones may be borrowed from Telephone Services, but students are also free to bring their own phone.  Vacuums are provided by RLO and each Resident Advisor has one.  There are regular housekeeping services provided in the common areas of the residential community such as bathrooms and showers.
Q: What is the mailing address for students?
A: Each student is assigned a campus mail box number and combination.  In the box students will receive letters and notification slips to pick up a package in the mailroom.  The mailing address is: 24255 Pacific Coast Highway
Campus Box # _____
Malibu, CA 90263
Students can ship items 30 days before arrival in August.  These items can be picked up Monday-Friday between the hours of 8:00am - 5:00pm
Q: How safe is the campus/Malibu?
A: We are fortunate to be in a safe community, but it is always important to use good common sense regarding personal and property safety.  Our Department of Public Safety is available 24 hours per day to patrol and respond to security issues.  Students should always lock room doors, carry their key and ID card.  It is advisable to close windows when leaving the room.  Personal property should not be left unattended and cars should always be locked.  When walking at night or traveling in the Los Angeles area it is important to either have a companion and/or make sure someone is aware of your plans.  Pepperdine University maintains strict conduct expectations for students and guests that are in place for safety and privacy reasons, they include: designated visitation hours for members of the opposite sex and no alcohol allowed on the campus premises.
Q: Describe the Greek system at Pepperdine University
A: About 30% of the students at Pepperdine participate in the Greek system.  Since the university does not authorize alcohol on campus or at any university function, the stereotype of wild parties and drunkenness is not prevalent here.  The organizations do not have individual houses.  Please see the Campus Life homepages for detailed information about the Greek system.
Q: Where do students hang out?
A: Pepperdine has many highly competitive NCAA athletic teams and Intramural sport teams that provide a great opportunity for recreation.  The local beaches are popular during warmer weather for students, the 3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica and Westwood are frequent evening destinations for movies and dining.  Students also go to The Commons in Calabasas and The Promenade in Westlake Village.
Q: Where can they study?
A: Students have several options when it comes to study areas.  Payson Library on main campus is open 7 days a week with varied hours.  The student lounge in the Tyler Campus Center and the Howard A. White Center are both open 24 hours.
Q: Where are students able to use computers and/or check e-mail?
A: There are many areas of campus that are wired for access to the Internet.  Each student bedroom has two phone lines and Ethernet jacks.  There are computer labs located throughout the campus as well as places for students to plug in their own laptop computer.  For more information on this subject, please call the Seaver Technology Group at (310) 506-4191.
Q: What kind of meal plan options can my student have?
A: Pepperdine offers two different point buy-in levels per semester- 1,000 and 1,400.  The majority of students can eat comfortably at the 1,000 point level.  Points are put on an I.D. card which can be used as a debit card at various locations on campus.  If they start to run out of points towards the end of a semester, you can add points to their account at 1/2 price.  Points do expire at the end of every semester so students should purchase only what they will use.
Q: Where does my student go to put more money on their meal card?
A: To add points to a students account they should visit the Campus Dining Services office next to the Waves Cafe in the Tyler Campus Center.
Q: What tuition payment options are there?
A:

The 2009-2010 tuition and room and board rates for Seaver College have been announced. Frequently asked questions regarding tuition can be found here.
Give Now to Seaver College
Pepperdine University, Study Abroad
DDLS
Pepperdine University, a Place for faith