Transportation

Around Campus

Pepperdine Wave Shuttle

If you are on campus, but need to get somewhere on the other side of campus, you can use the free Pepperdine Wave Shuttle. Refer to this page to see the schedule and the pick-up/drop-off points: https://community.pepperdine.edu/businessservices/transit/schedule.htm You can also use the Pepperdine University app to see where the shuttle is at in real time. Note: There is a separate schedule if classes are not in session.

Malibu Shopping Shuttle

Another free service to students is the Malibu Shopping Shuttle. This is an especially convenient service to students living on campus who do not have a car. This shuttle will take students to the Ralphs shopping center for grocery shopping. This schedule can be found on the above link as well. Contact the transit services office for the shopping shuttle schedule if classes are not in session.

Public Transportation

Compared with many large cities around the world, Los Angeles' public transportation system is not always the most convenient option to get around, especially here in Malibu.

• To and From West LA (through Santa Monica) There is only one bus line, Metro Bus line 534, that runs between West Los Angeles and Malibu via Santa Monica.
  • You can find the map and time tables of Metro Bus line 534 here: http://www.metro.net/riding/maps/500-599/ You can get off line 534 at the corner of Malibu Canyon Road and Civic Center Way in Malibu, right in front of Pepperdine, and enter the university campus to catch the free Pepperdine Wave Shuttle.
  • Warning: the Metro Bus does not run after 10pm, and some classes at Graduate School of Education and Psychology finish after 10pm, so this is not the most convenient form of transportation.
• To and From the Valley (Calabasas, Woodland Hills)
  
  • Currently there are no bus lines that will take you to points north of Malibu, such as Calabasas, Woodland Hills, and Agoura Hills.

Driving in California

Because of the somewhat limited public transportation options, many students of Pepperdine University find it necessary to have a car to get to and from school, as well as to explore Los Angeles. The Graduate School of Education and Psychology and its staff and faculty are not responsible for assisting students with obtaining a driver license and purchasing a car. It is strongly recommended that thorough research regarding the obtainment of a driver license and purchasing of a car be done before you arrive in the U.S.! Seek the advice of current Graduate School of Education and Psychology students regarding purchasing a car before you buy one.

Purchasing a Car

Purchasing a car, even if it's a used one, can be very expensive. Make sure every cost is taken into consideration before you come to the U.S. Some additional expenses you should consider are:

• Car registration with the Department of Motor Vehicles (mandatory)
• Car Insurance (mandatory, cost varies depending on company, year and make of vehicle)
• Gasoline (mandatory)
• Repairs (if necessary)
• You should use caution when buying a used car from a private party (as opposed to through a dealer). Here are a few resources that you can check to get an idea of how much purchasing a car will cost:
• Autotrader.com (New & Used cars)
• Recycler.com
• Craigslist

Getting a Valid Driver License

A foreign driver's license must be replaced by a valid California driver's license in order to drive in California. You must take a written and driving test to get a California Driver License at the Department of Motor Vehicles.

• You should bring your I-20, passport and I-94 card
• To study for the test you can review the Driver License Handbook here: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/file/california-driver-handbook-pdf/
• Be prepared to pay an application fee: http://www.dmv.ca.gov/dl/fees/driverlicense_fees.htm
• It's highly recommended to make an appointment for the driving test: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/appointments/select-appointment-type

Department of Motor Vehicle Offices near Pepperdine University