Few colleges have a campus as beautiful as Pepperdine University. Located in Malibu, California, Pepperdine offers stunning ocean views, but finding affordable off-campus housing can be challenging.
Whether you're an undergraduate, graduate student, transfer student, or international student, this guide will help you find the best apartments near Pepperdine while avoiding unnecessary application fees.
Pepperdine offers both on-campus housing and resources for students looking to rent off campus. Many upperclassmen and graduate students choose to live in nearby communities.
Why Students Choose to Live Off Campus
Many Pepperdine students move off campus for:
- More independence
- Living with roommates
- Larger apartments
- Flexible lease options
- Pet-friendly housing
- More affordable monthly rent outside Malibu
- Greater housing availability
While some students stay in Malibu, many commute from nearby cities where rental options are more plentiful and often less expensive.
Best Neighborhoods Near Pepperdine
Malibu
Living in Malibu means you're closest to campus and the beach.
Best for:
- Short commute
- Ocean views
- Beach lifestyle
- Walking or biking to campus (for some properties)
Keep in mind that Malibu apartments are often among the most expensive in Southern California.
Calabasas
One of the most popular choices for Pepperdine students.
Why students like it:
- More apartment communities
- Shopping and restaurants
- Easier parking
- Short drive to campus
Westlake Village
A quieter suburban community offering newer apartment complexes and a comfortable commute to Pepperdine.
Woodland Hills
Many graduate students and working professionals choose Woodland Hills because it offers:
- More affordable apartments
- Shopping centers
- Restaurants
- Easy access to Malibu via the canyon roads
Agoura Hills
Agoura Hills provides a balance of affordability, safety, and convenience for students commuting to Pepperdine.
Santa Monica
If you don't mind a longer drive, Santa Monica offers beach living, nightlife, restaurants, and more apartment choices while remaining within commuting distance of campus.
What Should Pepperdine Students Look For?
When comparing apartments, consider:
- Commute time to Malibu
- Parking availability
- Internet speed
- Laundry facilities
- Air conditioning
- Grocery stores nearby
- Roommates
- Lease length
- Pet policies
- Safety
Traffic along Pacific Coast Highway and Malibu Canyon can significantly affect your daily commute, so location matters.
Know the Rental Requirements Before You Apply
Apartment application fees in Southern California can quickly become expensive.
Before applying, check:
- Credit score requirements
- Income requirements
- Co-signer policies
- Security deposit requirements
- Pet policies
- Move-in costs
Understanding these qualifications before applying can save both time and money.
How ZRently Helps Pepperdine Students
ZRently was built to make apartment hunting more transparent.
Instead of guessing whether you'll qualify, you can search apartments by:
- Credit score requirements
- Income requirements
- Flexible credit policies
- Co-signer acceptance
- Pet policies
- Verified rental criteria
Whether you're searching in Malibu, Calabasas, Westlake Village, Agoura Hills, Woodland Hills, Santa Monica, or elsewhere on the Westside, ZRently helps you find apartments that match your qualifications before you apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Pepperdine offer on-campus housing?
Yes. Pepperdine offers residence halls and university apartments, and also provides resources for students who want to live off campus.
Where do most Pepperdine students live off campus?
Popular choices include:
- Malibu
- Calabasas
- Westlake Village
- Woodland Hills
- Agoura Hills
- Santa Monica
Many students commute from surrounding communities to find more housing options and lower rental costs.
When should I start looking for an apartment?
It's best to begin your apartment search 2–3 months before your desired move-in date, especially before the fall semester when demand increases.
Can Pepperdine students use co-signers?
Yes. Many Southern California property managers accept co-signers, although every property has its own qualification requirements.
How can I avoid wasting money on application fees?
Apply only to apartments where you meet the listed credit, income, and co-signer requirements. Reviewing those requirements beforehand can improve your chances of approval and reduce unnecessary application fees.
Final Thoughts
Pepperdine University offers one of the most scenic college experiences in the country, but finding the right apartment takes planning. Whether you're looking to live in Malibu, Calabasas, Westlake Village, Agoura Hills, Woodland Hills, or Santa Monica, understanding rental requirements before you apply can save both time and money.
At ZRently, our mission is to make renting more transparent by helping renters search apartments based on credit requirements, income requirements, co-signer policies, pet policies, and verified rental criteria before they apply. If you're looking for an apartment near Pepperdine University or anywhere on the Westside of Los Angeles, ZRently can help you find a rental that fits both your lifestyle and your qualifications.