Can I travel as a tourist in Europe with my passport even though my student visa takes into effect later on?

Question

I wish to travel in Europe as a tourist first. I will arrive in Italy July 15. I have a student visa for September 8 to December 21. Is there a problem with traveling as tourist with my passport during the time before school starts in Europe and then use my student visa for the long stay? Because the Italian consulate says that the Italian immigration might not let me when I get to Italy. But the study group I'm going with mentioned that students can travel before or after school starts. I am confused. I don't want to arrive in Italy and get detained because my visa is only for Sept. 8 - Dec. 21

Answer 1

Where are you coming from ? without that there is no sensible answer.

Ian M