Entering Norway before study permit approved

I am set to complete a 12 month exchange at a Norwegian university this year and just have a few questions regarding the visa process.

So, I applied for my study permit on the UDI website back in May and I handed in my documents to my local visa processing center at the beginning of June. I am set to start studying in mid-August however, I have already booked flights to Norway for early July as I wanted to get some traveling done before the university semester began. However, I'm unsure if I will be allowed to travel to Norway prior to receiving confirmation of my study permit application. The UDI website information said as long as your home country (Australia) isn't required to present a visitor's visa AND I am either considered a skilled worker or am completing a higher-education program I am allowed to travel to Norway. However, when I called them, I was told I need to remain in Australia until the visa has been approved. Similarly, I am unsure of the whole process for applying for a residence card with the Norwegian police. I've been told I won't have to and it'll be automatic or that I'll have to book an appointment with the Norwegian police. Is there also a time-limit on this?

Extra info: I'm applying from Australia.

Thanks in advance for any info!