Do I need to provide an invite letter and my ticket because I'd like to get before I book my flight?

Hello, my boyfriend is currently studying abroad in China this semester and I am wanting to go visit him in November. If I read correctly I would need a type L visa. For me to apply, it says I need to show my itinerary including my round trip air ticket and hotel reservation. I will not be staying in a hotel, I will stay with him in his dorm. So do I say I am not staying in a hotel or how do I do this? Is that at all possibly or no?