Members of the Class of 2010, most of who live on The Commons, will test out the experience for incoming freshmen.

So far, the usual grumble about the distance from Peabody to main campus has been the main — if not only — complaint. But many students try to see the bright side.

“The lack of convenience makes up for it in (the) beauty (of the Peabody campus),” said sophomore Andi Goldberg.

But sophomore Jillian Richmond said an all-day Vandy Van service would improve life on The Commons.

Dean of The Commons Frank Wcislo said he was not surprised by students’ mostly positive reactions.

“I don't hear very many people complaining about the new buildings, or saying that they feel like ‘guinea pigs,’” he said. “Everybody really seems to like living here. I've had students tell me they wish they were first-year students next year.”

Wcsilo cited Commons programming and sophomores’ involvement as reasons for their happiness.

“They're helping to build The Commons,” he said. “It's a project for the entire university to be involved in.”

Despite current contentment, however, some upperclassmen said The Commons will not be a good living situation for freshmen.

“Freshmen will be too far removed from campus,“ Richmond said. “Because we’re sophomores, it’s OK, but the level of separation won’t be good for freshmen.”

Richmond also said the plan to put current sophomores in Branscomb and Kissam worries her.

“It’s an unnatural progression to live in the same place you lived freshman year,” she said.

But Wcislo said the classes of 2012 and beyond are important to the university.

“What happens to first-year students after they leave The Commons and become upper-class students is very much on the minds of the university's administration,” he said.