Visitor visa while looking for accommodation ?

I have a PR application in process in the UK but have enrolled on a one year college course starting in June 2006 to get qualified for when the PR comes through (hopefully).

We would like to travel in January to find accommodation near to the college, but have been told at London consulate that I have to apply for the student visa nearer to the start of the course (about April) back at the London office.

My question is - will the officer at Calgary accept the above situation as our actual plans and issue a 5-6 month visitors visa & are we likely to have problems when applying for the student visa at the London office, bearing in mind that they have to satisfy themselves we will leave the country if the PR is not approved.

To add to the confusion we already own a house in Canada (but it's nowhere near the college).