Pepperdine, for all its scenic views of the beach and proximity to LA, is notoriously difficult to leave. For those of you without a car, here are five ways to battle campus claustrophobia without begging your friends for a ride (again):
1. ZipCar:
ZipCar is likely the most expensive option on this list (unless you’re ubering to LA), but it’s also the option that provides the most freedom. With a yearly student ZipCar membership ($25), you can rent a car for $9 an hour or $70 a day, and go anywhere. You can reserve anywhere from a few weeks to one minute in advance, and if you’re running late you can extend your reservation by 30 minute increments as long as the car isn’t already booked. Arrive when you want and leave when you want; it’s the closest you can get to having a car on campus.
2. Uber:
If you want to spend the day down at the country mart, uber is likely your best option. Simply download the app and order a private driver/car (think fancy taxi) whenever you’re ready. Destinations in Malibu can be under $10 each way, and unlike zipcar you aren’t paying for the time you aren’t in the car. Use uberPool and your cost could be cut in half. Beware, there aren’t always ubers in the area (thanks Malibu) so don’t count on catching an uber at 1:50 for your 2:00 class.
3. Shopping Shuttle:
For those of us whose favorite word is ‘free,’ the shopping shuttle is the best option for getting off campus. The shopping shuttle picks up and drops off four times a day; on campus at Rho and Smothers, and off campus at Malibu Country Mart and Ralph’s. If you’re looking to grab Chipotle or groceries, this is a perfect free option for you. Just don’t miss the shuttle back.
4. Campus Events:
If you don’t have any particular destination in mind, check out the calendars of organizations like the Board and Campus Ministries for free field trips to places ranging from the Getty Villa to Santa Monica and beyond.
5. Walk:
According to google maps, it’s only 2 miles to Malibu country mart. If you’re athletic, go for it. I’ll be taking the shuttle.Â