``The very first day of college started with disappointment,''

he said. ``On the brochure back in India they had put Harbour Bridge photos ... with nice large, clean classrooms.

``But when we arrived we were studying in an old ugly building with not enough room for teaching and not even enough space to stand during break time.''

Angry at the way the college treated students, Jagjeet said: ``Whenever they wanted to increase your tuition fees they could, and if you dared to question them they threatened you with deportation.

``We could not complain to any authority because there is no specific body for our concerns and all the authorised bodies do not listen us.

``They [private colleges] are white-collar criminals who know how to use the rules and laws to their advantage.

``Because of the vested interests of a few cunning people, these private institutions are not policed and are able to rip off students.

``The [Federal] Government must intervene to help us.''

The situation turned from bad to worse when the college went into administration, leaving Jagjeet without a college to attend for the last two months.

With only verbal promises from government bureaucracy, time is running out as his visa is due to expire soon.

Jagjeet said he puts on a brave face for his family. ``I haven't even told my parents about it,'' he said.

``Whenever they ask me I lie and say that it's going good.

``I can't even explain the stress and pain I am suffering, and there is no one here I can share my feelings with.

``Sometimes I feel like it was the worst step of my life coming study here like I am stuck in the middle of the ocean and there is no way out.

``Only God can help me.''