International Students – SBCC
Tropicana Gardens is a private residence hall for Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) students. We are located on the edge of the lively student community of Isla Vista. The 15X express bus to Santa Barbara City College stops right outside our building every 30 minutes during the school week so it is easy to get to class. With your SBCC Student ID, you may ride the 15X or any other Santa Barbara MTD bus for free.
Furnished Suites
Tropicana Garden’s
suites, which include bedrooms, bathrooms and a living room but no kitchen, come completely furnished. All you need to bring is bedding, towels, your clothes, toiletries and personal care items. Choose from single occupancy bedrooms, or shared doubles, triples or quad bedrooms. Live with American students or other international students.
On-site Meal Plan
Our
on-site restaurant provides you with your choice of 10, 14, 17 or unlimited meals per week, so won’t have to worry about grocery shopping, cooking or cleaning a kitchen! The food is freshly prepared, never frozen or canned. There are always vegetarian options and rice at every meal.
All-Inclusive Housing Package
At Tropicana residence hall, unlike an apartment, you won’t need to open up your own accounts with the electric company, an internet provider, trash service, and the water company. Your
all-inclusive monthly payment covers it all: rent, unlimited meals and utilities, even WiFi. We lease by the bed so you are only responsible for yourself. You need not worry about your roommates paying their share of expenses.
It’s Easy to Meet People
Our community has student Resident Assistants who organize dozens of
social and recreational events each semester. While participating in activities ranging from hiking to canvas painting, you’ll get to know many more American students than in a traditional apartment setting—and you will have many more opportunities to perfect your English.
International Student Bike Loan Program
For your convenience, Tropicana Gardens is happy to loan you a used bike to help you get around. All we ask is that the bike be returned at your departure and that you provide your own bike lock. Bikes are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Stay through Academic Holidays
Students traditionally go home during academic breaks. As an International Student, you may stay in your suite at no additional charge for Thanksgiving, Winter & Spring holidays, if you choose not to explore the United States or go home. Our on-site restaurant is closed during all academic holidays.
Move In Early
Students arriving early are welcome to move in early to Tropicana Gardens. Students who have signed an Academic or Semester Lease are welcome to stay for no additional cost until the start of their contract. Students who have not signed a lease are welcome to stay at Tropicana as a temporary resident for the current nightly rates for a minimum of 7 days. When temporary residents sign an Academic or a Semester Lease they will have all nightly rates waived and previous funds applied towards their Academic or Semester Lease. Space is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please email the Leasing Department for more information.
Questions? Call (805) 968-4319. Apply now to reserve your space.