In 1973, the state of Minnesota passed legislation lowering the legal age of adulthood from 21 to 18; this gave 18-year olds the opportunity to legally consume alcoholic beverages. At the same time, the University of Minnesota made policy changes which enabled dormitory residents to consume alcoholic beverages in their rooms. To ascertain the effects of these changes, the University of Minnesota Technical College at Crookston surveyed dormitory residents regarding their alcohol and drug usage. For comparative purposes, surveys were conducted before and after the changes went into effect. Seventy-seven percent of the 1973 dormitory residents and fifty percent of the 1974 dormitory residents participated in the surveys. Results indicated that consumption of alcohol had not increased. Interviews with students brought forth the concept that 1974 students seemed to drink more for social purposes instead of drinking to get drunk. Student housing staff members claimed that there was less drinking and fewer problems related to the consumption of alcohol after the policy and legal changes. Student usage of marijuana and hard drugs also appeared to decrease slightly. (Author/DC)