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Thanks, that would be helpful. Also, just noticed someone linked the 2 major sources of my answer in a comment to the question, seems like my answer is pretty pointless. Sorry about that guys, hopefully @TheWanderingCoder will be able to shed some first hand insight upon contacting a rep.
Ah yes, it's possible it uses VoIP. The distinction I was trying to make is that you wouldn't have a standard local 'phone number'. There are also other options like renting a phone listed in the first article I linked.
This is a mixture of personal experience and opinion, I did not look up any official sources, however I was speaking to my friend about this (she's traveled to china at least 15 times now), and it also makes intuitive sense that your plans might change during your visit.
Apply for a standard tourist visa, there are many questions and answers here on that topic. Also read this to find out how to apply: gov.uk/standard-visitor-visa/overview
I know several people (I was invited myself, but didn't go) who have used tourist visas to attend university interviews and open days. I don't see how those are any different from an induction/matriculation ceremony. There is no teaching, nor studying that takes place during these events, coupled with the fact that there is no other visa category that OP would qualify for under these circumstances leaves very little room for doubt that this is the correct visa category for OP based on the circumstances he has described in his question.
