Is it possible to get into the arch-mage's quarters before completing or getting far in the Mage's College questline?

The reason I ask is because I am doing a new mage quest and only want to use mage robes, and the boots in there are the perfect boots for a mage. Unless anyone else knows of any similar boots? i.e. mage's style boots that have some sort of stat

If it's possible, how? I tried waiting for the Arch-Mage to go inside to see if I could follow, but he is just sitting exactly where he was when I first met him.

As soon as you join the college you can go in there. Was the door locked or something? First thing I do is wait til he leaves and take all the ingredients, potions, and soul gems and crank up my alchemy and enchanting skills >

It was locked and said it requires a key lol. Maybe I need to leave and come back first.

Anyone know of any other good mage items? I am current using novice robes of destruction, novice hood, will use the boots of resist shock, and pugilists gloves. I know the gloves aren't ideal, but I am doing a weaponless playthrough using only conjured weapons when needed, and figured those gloves would be a sufficient backup until I get enough mana to play comfortably

Strange, I was just in there stealing those items on Monday haha. Maybe it's locked when he leaves.... Try going in when he's there (usually during the day) and waiting an hour at a time until he's gone. Or asleep, if you can sneak!

I think you have to go through Saarthal first. Which leads you to report to Savos in his room

^^This. You cannot enter his quarters until after you report to him from your first trip to Sarthaal. Then im pretty sure you can go in and out as you please.

No, it still locks afterward whenever he's not in there, but he's reliably in there late at night and wouldn't see you if you took half the stuff in the room!

you will have access as soon as you complete the sarthal excavation