If you get the SETV like Tod suggested, while on a tourist visa, it'll also give you some time to set yourself up here (apartment, etc.) before you start studying at your university.
About the last part, yeah, can't avoid the full passport page $50 USD on-arrival visa sticker (for 1 day). 😆 Was mostly hoping to be able to avoid staying at a hotel. To walk around the city a bit, and then go back to Thailand on the same day. Do land IOs frown a bit on same-day exits and re-entering?
Like Robert said, you need documents from your school to get a Non-Immigrant ED visa. And your school should be clearly instructing you about what to do. If they aren't, you might want to check reviews online and re-evaluate if this is a good school or not.
Get the METV. Even if you don't use all the re-entries. You can only get it in your home country. If your plans change, you'll be happy you'll have gotten it.
A lot of schools will try to get you to work even if you don't have your visa sorted out. If you're being hired, it means students aren't being taught at the moment. But it's not legal.
Hi Ellie, that's useful to know. Would you have more info about this? From what source did you get this? I would be willing to work during the work permit application (with a Non-Immigrant B visa), but would only do this if I'm sure it's legal.