Need help! How can I produce soft-white light with a traditional fluorescent kitchen overhead lamp?

Electricity is electricity, of course you can change the fixture but it may be expensive and the landlord may not be willing to do it. No clue about the options they gave you and if the lighting is different. Maybe you could just leave the lights up there but run the whole apt off lamps - it'll seem odd but will fix the problem. Otherwise the landlord may not be willing to change out the lights.