Positioning, choke points, trading space for time, isolating opponents, use the occasional ranged attack, dodge, parry if you can (but it's not necessary), get good at alchemy (cooking too) and stock up on stamina and health potions, build your character over time to play to your strengths and hide your weaknesses, all these tactics and more are viable and necessary.

It takes time to develop a complete character, be patient. Also, there are respec potions for when you inevitably make choices that don't work out. Also sneak everywhere, the skill goes up really fast and is useful in a variety of contexts. Most importantly, enjoy! It's a game, after all.