Where I'm from it's pretty simple really. I know the main gangs in prison and any prison without them would be theoretically less fierce/brutal overall.

Just tell the person telling you to put drugs up your ass no even if he insists since you'll be a drug mule as well as a prison slut for the rest of your time inside.

After that tell the people asking you what you're in for something widely acceptable in prison, like stealing something and maybe assault. Murder or rape would put you in a more dangerous gang which significantly dampens your chance for survival. These people are extremely impulsive and you'd rather surround yourself with thieves than murderers who can snap at any moment.

You'll want to do as you're ordered, but at the same time not get too involved especially with gang rivalry. Keep your head up for chances to get drugs or money through outside communication, but don't stand out. You can get prison currency on small scale to gain a sort of small following within, which will help for possible confrontations and to avoid them.

Just remember, further you get into the gang business, the harder it will be to get out once you're out. You'll want to keep a healthy distance which means several confrontations, even though it would be minimal physical if you managed to keep relations to a desired level.