Converting an Q1 to a X1 visa

Hi there. I am currently living in the UK and I am hoping to study at university in China next September, however I need to go to China before September and I know that the university will not give me the papers for the student X until a month before the start date. I understand the complications with trying to convert a tourist L with a student x1, as the latter is a residency permit so a different thing, however it seems that converting from a Q1 to an X1 type could be easier. Do you know if this is possible? I am trying to avoid coming back to UK and pay for a second application a few months after going there, but I would hate to have to be in UK until August and be separated from my Chinese family member for so long.