Quest Stones of Barenziah

[Rhubarb&Custard]

I'm on this quest, and I currently have 13/24 of the stones, and I know there's a stone in the Arch Mage's Quarters, but is there anyway of getting into his quarters without actually doing the College Quests? Or do I have to just go through the motions until I gain access to his quarters, grab the stone and just leave the quest unfinished?

 

[Kairee Blackblade]

Once you've been accepted to the college just go straight to his room (skip all the quests). If you do that before getting the tour from Mirabelle then I believe the Arch-Mage will remain outside in the courtyard, so there should be no witness to the theft.

 

[Cave]

You can just stroll in... and if you can't sneak in