"As time goes by, the economic conditions improve everywhere in the world except here."
Other students and activists echoed this loss of hope.
In 1999, students calling for change were at the centre of violent protests over the closure of a pro-reform newspaper, the worst unrest since the aftermath of the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
But activists say they lost hope, and became less active, after the Khatami era fell short of pledges to push through social and political change.
"The government is trying to encourage students to vote but there is little motive for them," said student activist Nariman Mostafavi. "Under Khatami ... many promises were never carried out. Students have lost their passion."
Iran's pro-democracy students have paid a heavy price in recent years and some of their leaders have fled the country or been put in jail by the clerical establishment.
JUST AN ILLUSION
Some, like a Tehran University student who gave his name only as Hadi, have no intention of voting.
"I don't know any of the candidates and I don't feel any need to get to know them," he said, lighting a cigarette.
"I've decided not to vote this time around. The promise of change in Iran is only an illusion."
Law student Reza Alavi said Ahmadinejad should be given more time to make his mark.
"Khatami ruled for eight years and he was given a chance to go all the way through with his policies. This government has done many good things for Iran. I will vote for Ahmadinejad to give him a fair chance."
Graduate student Mohsen, who also declined to give his family name, said it was worth voting if only to stave off more economic, social and political curbs.
"Students should vote. If I don't vote, others will and their choice could be much different from the kind of lawmakers I want to see in parliament," he said.
"I don't want to lose what little freedom we have won over the years and witness more hardships."
Student activist Ali Nikounesbati said some students would decide what to do based on this week's campaigning.
"Students have made no move to boycott the election, but the general atmosphere is cold," he said.
