Tropicana Del Norte Residence Hall...better than all UCSB dorms?

<p>I've learned of this hall recently...and it seems pretty swell except I can't find much reviews from students so if someone has any experience living there, please let us know!</p>

<p>For those who never heard of Tropicana Del Norte, its a privately owned residence hall affiliated with UCSB.
Distance Wise, its close to campus (closer than Santa Catalina)
The suites are 3 bedroom/2 bathrooms and a living room.
Pricing depends on which room you're in. (The cheapest being in what is called "Bedroom C" with 3 other people = 10,150)
It has an unlimited meal plan choice and pool and fitness center among other things.</p>

<p>I’m a current freshman living in FT and I can tell you that I’d rather live anywhere than trop. Trop has a mix of CC kids as well as many other kids who either missed the housing deadline or didn’t want to move out to IV. I have a friend over there and the place is pretty trashy…</p>

<p>I agree with gaucho. I’ve seen some odd activity involving the police at Trop too. </p>

<p>The people I know who live at FT have liked it so far and have developed a strong sense of community. It’s pretty far from campus, so be ready to take either the bus or ride your bike (less than 10 min. to class this way). All the dorms on campus are very close to dining commons. FT has a dining common inside of it called Portola, as well as a gym and outdoor pool.</p>

<p>I lived at Trop Del Norte and it wasn’t bad at all really. The City College kids all live at Tropicana Gardens and all the UC kids are at Trop Del Norte, so I never had a problem with them. I missed the housing deadline because I came in as a transfer and the UC filled up all their dorms. I’m glad though, FT (Santa Catalina) is super far away, and Trop is like right next to campus. The gym and pool are pretty nice. The cafe is kinda small though, its always packed at dinner time. I got to meet a ton of people that I’m still good friends with, so I would say I had a pretty good experience.</p>

<p>Can I smoke my hookah there? I know it’s a non smoking facility but how strict are they?</p>