Hey everyone! I’m 18 and heading to college soon. I really want to learn about cryptocurrency trading but I’m struggling to find good beginner resources. Most tutorials and guides I’ve found online assume you already understand basic trading concepts, but I’m starting from zero knowledge.
I’ve tried asking for help on other forums but people either made fun of me for being young or tried to get me to join their trading groups that seemed sketchy. Some wanted me to pay for courses that looked like scams.
I understand a tiny bit about crypto but honestly I need to learn everything from the ground up. Can someone point me toward legitimate resources where I can learn the absolute basics? I’m not looking for get-rich-quick schemes, just solid educational content to build my foundation.
Any recommendations would be really appreciated. Thanks for your time!
I got into crypto trading during my second year of college and made the same mistakes hunting for decent educational content. Here’s what I wish someone told me earlier: learn traditional finance first before jumping into crypto. Start with the basics - market orders, limit orders, support/resistance levels, and risk management. These fundamentals work across all markets, and once you get them, crypto trading makes way more sense since it’s built on the same mechanics. Skip the crypto-specific content at first and hit up established financial education sites instead. Your university library probably has free access to financial databases and educational materials that cover trading basics without trying to sell you anything. That’s the real advantage of academic resources - they’re there to teach, not pitch. What worked for me was paper trading first. Practice with fake money to see how markets move without losing real cash. Most legit trading platforms have demo accounts where you can safely build skills and confidence.
honestly curious - what got you into crypto trading at 18? side hustle for college or thinking long-term career?
asking because your approach changes based on goals. i started around your age but wish i’d figured out the ‘why’ before jumping into the ‘how’.
ever think about just buying and holding small amounts of bitcoin or ethereum first? not saying skip learning to trade, but getting comfortable owning crypto and watching it move teaches you tons before actively trading. way less stressful with college going on.
this might sound boring, but check if your college has blockchain or fintech courses. some schools added crypto classes and professors know their stuff without pushing sketchy products.
what’s your risk tolerance? using money you can lose completely or funds you need for textbooks and ramen? that changes everything about how to approach this.
totally feel you on sketchy trading groups - so many people prey on beginners. did those experiences teach you any red flags to watch for?
you should totally check out youtube channels like coin bureau and investopedia for crypto stuff. they got a lot of free content. also, see if your college offers any finance classes. even just basic econ helped me understand how the market moves when i started.