INDIANAPOLIS -- College students in Indiana appeared to be one of the key factors to Barack Obama's narrow victory in the state.

A group of Butler University students held a watch party as the results rolled in and let out big cheers when they learned that Obama was elected president.

"I'm glad that so many people have come out to celebrate the election and to actually enjoy the government for what seems to be the first time," said student Jaqueline Tucker.

Young voters came out in droves on Election Day, many of them in support of Obama. Many students said they just wanted to have their voices heard.

"This is probably the … most important election in my lifetime," said Nathaniel Baught. "There's a lot at stake – the future of Social Security and the nation, a lot of the world, too."

Students watched results come in knowing that it would be a night they would not soon forget.

"I want to look back and be able to say to my kids, 'Hey, I voted in this election,'" said student Meg Biallas.

Indiana University students appeared to vote in record numbers. Nearly 15,000 were registered to vote this year, about 5,000 more than in the 2004 presidential election.

An IU student who identified himself as a Republican said he threw his support to Obama at the last minute because of the something the Democrat said on "Monday Night Football."

"He was asked, 'What would you change in college football,' and he said he wanted a playoff system," said IU student Ben Dyar. "It was really tied before that, but that pretty much sent me over the edge. I decided to vote for Obama."