I'm in my 8th year...:/

Well, for me the best way to handle an argument is say what you want (I'm sorry but I did hand in all the papers, I can go with you to the admin office and tell them so) and that's it. Short and polite.Keeping at it is pointless, ppl only get work up. So after that I'd stop the discussion, either say so or with some ppl you need to walk away cause they just don't hear no as an answer.
Bit peeved at your friends... They really could have stand up for you...