How does campus life differ between Pepperdine and the University of Richmond?

The University of Richmond usually has the more active, campus-centered day-to-day life, while Pepperdine tends to feel more scenic, quieter, and a bit more spread out socially. Richmond’s residential college feel, strong school traditions, and compact campus make it easier for many students to plug into a community quickly. Pepperdine has a beautiful Malibu setting and a distinct Christian culture, but student life is often shaped by the location, car access, and a calmer evening scene on campus.

At Richmond, a lot of social life happens right on campus because the school is fairly self-contained and students are heavily involved in clubs, campus events, and residence hall communities. The campus is known for feeling polished and intentional, with students often describing it as friendly but structured. Because so many students live on or near campus and the school is not in the middle of a huge city, people tend to see each other often, which can make community-building feel more natural.

Pepperdine’s social atmosphere is influenced by Malibu itself. The ocean views and outdoor setting give the school a relaxed, almost retreat-like feel, and many students love the lifestyle that comes with beaches, hiking, and Southern California weather. But that same setting can also make social life feel less centralized. Students often talk about needing to be proactive, especially because off-campus activities, rides, and access to LA matter more there than at Richmond.

A major difference is campus culture around values and energy. Pepperdine is affiliated with the Churches of Christ, and although students do not all share the same level of religious involvement, that identity still shapes parts of campus life through community expectations, programming, and the general tone. Richmond feels less defined by one overarching identity and more by a traditional private-university rhythm, with an active student body and a stronger sense of everyday bustle.

If you are picturing a place where community is built through a tighter residential scene and frequent campus interaction, Richmond is easier to imagine that way. If you are drawn to a more laid-back environment where the setting itself is a huge part of student life, Pepperdine has a very different appeal.