Dear Phoebe, it is natural that the college would retain your Original documents for the entire term of the course. You will get the documents once you complete the course. If you want your marksheet for whatosever reason, most Colleges give it after taking an underwriting. But if you want to take it and seek admission in another College, that is when you will have to pay the fees for the entire duration of the course. This is something that you need to discuss with the Administration of the college.