Nakhasi said hundreds of University of Iowa students expressed interest in participating in the caucus at the end of the fall semester, but that factors such as inclement weather, driving distances and returning to school over winter break would likely deter many students from coming back to caucus.

Jennie Lahlum, a freshman at Coe College, said that after working for the Obama campaign last semester in Cedar Rapids - where Coe College is located - there was no doubt in her mind she'd make the drive from her hometown of Chicago back to Iowa to caucus.

"I decided to caucus after realizing how important it was and how privileged the people of Iowa are for having the first decision in the next presidential election," Lahlum said.

Lahlum praised those candidates who have encouraged students to participate in the caucus, and said her decision to caucus was reaffirmed by candidates supporting the rights of out-of-state students to participate today.

"Before this campaign I wasn't involved in anything but music," Lahlum said, "and now that I'm doing this I really feel like I can make a difference."