So when you get to the point in the main quest where you need the elder scroll, would it be possible to bypass having to join college of winterhold by going directly to septimus and finding the elder scroll that way? or do i HAVE to join the college of winterhold, i am playing a Thief / Assassin and i dont wanna join or enter the college..

Thanks for any help given!

Yes, it should be possible to go directly to Septimus if you already know where to find him.

You can go straight to Septimus.

As far as I can tell, the only downside to doing this is that you will miss getting one shout from the word wall in Sarthus, since this place is quest locked.
There are a few other interesting things to do and see for the Mage Guild, but nothing game breaking.

Yea i know, but iv already with several characters done the entire college of winterhold series of quests, and i dont really see the point of getting forced to join the college as a thief, if you need to find a elderscroll, buy illusion spells or get an unusual gem, i dislike getting forced to do something you dont want to...

anyway, thanks alot for the replys and help

Yes, this will work. Well, it should work. Just make a save before you go up there in case you need to reset the events.

You could head straight to the ruin with the Elder Scroll after you get what you need from Septimus. Your quest will still tell you to go to the college and ask the orc in the Archaneum though...

It's possible but it might take a while to find him if you don't exactly where he is in the ice field. I had to use the Wikia map to find his location.

Welcome to Skyrim the open ended ropleplaying game that forces you onto railroad tracks.

I'd just like to know if I can get into the college by a hidden entrance. Anyone can help I would appreciate the spoiler.

Yes, you can

The midden, if you are on PC you could probably increase your jump height then find the midden exit, jump back up and work your way through the midden to the college.