Probability/procedure for converting Tourist L to Student X1

I would like to come to China before my semester starts at BCLU on February 28th so I can get settled. I would like to come as early as the 14th as there is the spring movie festival and I'd like to attend it on the 16th because its the day before my birthday. And my favorite actor Feng Shaofeng is in one of the movies playing.

So I thought I can have a tourist L and then convert it to an X1. But it seems like the date for the semester is Feb 23-June 23. I would like to apply to other schools in the summer or study in the summer while I'm there so I'd like a bit more time. Will I be able to convert my Tourist L to Student x1 when my papers state the semester ends in 5 months?

If not, will I be able to convert Tourist L to Student x2? I saw other questions asked in google but they are very old and I know the government has been cracking down on illegal foreigners. So before I try to buy a visa at my local travel agency I'd like to be sure I'm not just throwing away money for nothing.

Thank you for all of your help.