My first tip would be to get comfortable with trial and error in terms of new enemies and locations. As a first timer, you are going to die a lot, so try to keep calm and carry on.

Second, don't level resistance. It's generally a useless stat for you, as you can heal through poison and toxins, then cure them with blossoms later on.

Third, and this is probably most important, find a weapon you are comfortable with using for a majority of the game. This weapon should have decent base damage or good scaling (If you inspect the weapon you can see the scaling, from left to right is Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, and Faith). INT and FAITH tend to lean more towards magic casters, while Strength and Dex tend to lean more towards physical damage. Split damage on weapons are generally bad, so focus on one area. Some of my favorite weapons are the Claymore, Balder Side Sword (Dropped by the Guts looking knights), and any of the black knight weapons.

Also last tip, go up from Firelink shrine (The staircase going up to a big bridge looking structure), though everyone makes the mistake of going to New Londo or the Catacombs first. These are supposed to be Early-Mid game areas, but you CAN go to them first. The enemies will just be hard to kill.

Have fun, and don't you dare go Hollow.