This study examined the effects of alcohol use on the transition experiences and development of eight female freshman college students. The theories developed by Erikson, Chickering, Perry, Kohlberg, Gilligan, Belenky, and Eisenhart were examined and related to student development. A qualitative case study research design involved data collection by means of interviews and observation. Findings indicated that six of the students regularly participated in underage drinking and all described having poor academic guidance and feeling a sense of failure. Analysis of interviews with the students identified the following common themes: social activities, making new acquaintances, bonding with others in the residence hall, peer influence, responsibility for self, and academic pressures. Results suggested that: (1) social support networks should be established in academic settings to help foster student development; (2) drug education, drug-related student assistance, academic support services, and orientation should be developed to assist college freshmen; and (3) the issue of underage drinking should be addressed by all college departments. (Contains 63 references.) (Author/CK)