If you wish to hold some coin then use exchange only for during exchange. Just exchange your coin and transfer on your personal wallet that you have controlled. Specially you can use hardware wallet.
Because many exchange hacked buy hacker. Many people loss their capital by hack.
So please don't hold your coin on exchange for long time.
It's not really a good idea to put all your coin in an exchange specially if you plan it to hold for long term but I think people still prefer putting it in exchange because its convenient when you badly need to sell your coin its a risk to take and I think people are already aware with the consequences.
I second your statement. Yes the newbies have to go for such coin that cost you low than one dollar. The reason behind this action is it would help you to implement your learning in practical world with more specific results and real picture. You would be able to see how the things actually works. Ultimately your confidence start boosting up and can do trade without much bigger tension.