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OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the willingness of university students regarding blood donation and to compare results among residents living in the Kayseri city center. METHODS: Admission for blood donation after donor acquisition campaigns and the rates of repeated donation over a one-year period were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Between November 2006 and August 2008, a total of 29614 people were included in the study. After educational campaigns, the rate of admission for blood donation was 66% among university students, while it was only 29% among the city residents. Although the deferral rate and adverse events during donation were found to be higher in the student group, they had a higher repeated donation rate and higher return rate after a short message system. CONCLUSION: University students appear to be good candidates for long-term regular blood donation. Use of a short message system to issue reminders about blood donation may be a reasonable method to replenish the blood supply.