Getting my haircut at a college beauty salon - what should I ask for so they don't mess up (male)?

I'm a guy. I usually get it cut short on the sides and usually a blend so a 0.5 blended to a 1 or 0.5 blended to a 1.5 or skin fade blended to a 0.5. Then I get a little off the top.

I'm really looking to save money (i live a frugal life) so I've chosen to go to a college beauty salon where people who are learning to cut hair can practice on you and is MUCH MUCH cheaper. Obvs there's a chance they mess up.

Do you think I should play it safe and not ask for a blend on the sides? I guess I could get a 1 on the sides/back so it's still short but not blended (won't look too different). I normally ask for a tiny bit taken from the top but may not risk it (or if i do risk it really emphasise just a little - the smallest amount they can physically chop off.... i don't want to end up with it really short on top).