Univ. of Iowa freshmen start college with big decisions to make

Moving away from home and on to a college campus is a turning point in life. Incoming freshmen at the University of Iowa will spend the weekend doing just that. This year many face tough times, plus one decision this fall that could directly affect them.

The Class of 2014 spent the last few months saving up for college during one of the nation's toughest economic times. “My husband's taken on extra jobs, extra projects to fund her and she's worked right up until yesterday,” said Ann Bodensteiner, 48, of Hawkeye, Iowa.

“2009 was a pretty rough year, so everybody put the brakes on their spending,” said freshman Chris Stewart, 18, of West Union.

A few months after students move in and start classes, they could influence a new law.

“I would say, yeah,” said Zoie Bodensteiner. That's a yes to changing Iowa City's 21-and-older bar admittance ordinance to allow those under 21 to enter a bar, as it had been until this summer.

“We'll see what happens. I guess if someone tells me go there and go vote I'll do it,” said Stewart.

Many of the freshmen say they are in support of changing the ordinance. And parent Ann Bodensteiner agrees. “They should be able to make mature choices on their own,” said Ann Bodensteiner.

But before election day rolls around this November, these freshmen will spend some time just enjoying their first year. “I'm expecting hard classes and hopefully fun,” said Zoie Bodensteiner.

Some freshmen moved in earlier this week as a part of a special program. U of I students, as well as the rest of the city, will have their shot to vote on Iowa City's minimum bar entry age law this November.