1. Do the tutorial, and don't ask for handouts.
2. Trust is a very valuable commodity. Don't trust anybody. If a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Likewise, don't pick up items that others leave in space unless they're blue.
3. Undocking is permission to PvP. Although some places are safer, nowhere is completely safe. Therefore, don't fly what you can't afford to lose.
4. Get to know the game better before you start flying expensive ships or going to low-security space (0.4 or below). If you can't fly a frigate well, you won't be able to fly a cruiser well.