The development of a principled microcomputer-based adventure game that simulates the experience of higher education for prospective students in British schools is discussed. Playing the game is intended to provide prospective students a "realistic role preview." Consideration is given to an earlier board game and research on student learning on which the simulation was based. The simulation allows students to try different study strategies and provides advice tailored to the specific strategies used by the individual student when interacting with the computer. The design of the computer simulation is described, along with the strategies to ensure that the game and advice are controlled by principles derived from student learning research. Examples show how a student would experience the interactions with the computer, and how the rules provide tailored advice. The simulation can be seen as a simple expert system providing a form of intelligent tutoring. The game is used with the Macintosh microcomputer, backed by memory on hard disk. The game is made up of six scenes: freshman week and course choices, choice of options, introductory tutorial, lectures and independent study, balancing social life and work, and preparing for and taking tests. (SW)