I have been obsessing over gear for years and honestly, picking your first pair for a music course is a big deal. You really gotta be careful because most Sony headphones in regular stores are made for bass, not mixing. I would suggest looking at these two specifically since they fit your budget.

• Sony MDR-7506 Professional Large Diaphragm Headphones

These are the industry standard for a reason. They are super bright, which helps you hear tiny mistakes in your audio like pops or clicks. Just be aware that the coiled cable is pretty heavy and can be annoying during long sessions.

• Sony MDR-M1 Reference Closed-Back Studio Headphones

This is a newer model that is much more comfortable. They have a flatter sound which is better for balancing your mix accurately. Make sure to check the fit since they sit a bit differently on the ears compared to older models. Avoid anything with noise-canceling or Bluetooth... it will just introduce lag and mess up your EQ.

Building on the earlier suggestion, I actually used the Sony MDR-CD900ST Monitor Headphones when starting my course. They are a cult classic in Japan and you can find them within budget online.

• very flat, honest sound
• super easy to fix
• lighter than most gear Buying these refurbished saved me enough for my semesters software. Honestly, dont feel like you need brand new gear for a pro sound.

Building on the earlier suggestion, I definitely agree that sticking to the pro-grade gear is vital since consumer stuff masks too many mistakes. I have been really satisfied with how long these professional sets last under heavy daily use. I'm gonna disagree with the previous advice about buying brand new tho, especially with your $250 limit. Most people starting a music course blow their entire budget on a brand new box and then realize they can't afford a decent interface or even quality cables. You can find these standard units used for a fraction of the price and they are basically indestructible. I've been quite happy with the performance of my older gear and it hasn't let me down once.

• look for sellers who used them in a smoke-free studio environment
• budget a little extra for some decent aftermarket velour ear pads
• check that the coiled cable hasn't been stretched out or lost its spring Honestly, saving that extra hundred bucks or so is huge when you are a student. My older gear has given me zero complaints over the years and it works well without needing any special treatment. Starting out with second-hand gear is a much smarter way to manage your cash while you're still figuring everything out.