I think technically you are allowed to start your FSA components directly, and I'm not aware of any expiry date for earned SOA credits.
Though do think really carefully whether that would be a beneficial choice.

why do you mean by beneficial choice? You mean I should not do the FSA track ahead of FAP?

Depending on what is your situation. The following is my personal opinion:

If you're in a job and feel that 1) you'll definitely do QFI related field, 2) QFI is very easy for you, 3) passing exams would help your job experience, or 4) passing exams would get you a raise, or anything along that line, then go for it.

If you're still studying or unsure which track you'll be working with or you're interested in, then I suggest finish FAP, get ASA, then move forward according to your job requirement and personal interests.

I feel like I am more into finance. ERM track and QFI track are two I would like to go for. I am not sure. Maybe I will do FAP first. Thanks.

DMAC has time limit after you receive DMAC pass grade. All other FSA modules or exams do not have, so far.

You are allowed to start FSA component before you have your FAP.

The 2nd floor hit the point, but I do suggest you start looking for internship or jobs. If you passed your FAP and even get your ASA, without any actuarial working experience, it could be very hard for you to get a job, because you have high credential but no experience, it is very hard for company to give you "correct" salary. Also, think it through, if you are a FSA during your university period without real working experience then no company would recruit you (normally speaking).

So I suggest you start immediately to seek for working experience.

However, if you are going to take FSA exams or FAP (i.e. you determined to pick 1 of these during your schooling period), then I suggest you start your FSA exams. The reason is that, FAP is time consuming in sense of reading and completing the module but it is not hard. Yet FSA exams are time consuming that you need to focus and you cannot split the contents into many many parts. Therefore, during school time, you can focus yourself easier, but during real working environment, you would be very busy (e.g. OT), such that you would have less time to focus on EXAM. On the contrary, for FAP or FSA modules, you can do it a bit by a bit after you call off your day in office.

Hope I am delivering myself clearly.