I've only been playing for a couple of weeks now and this is my first MMO. The best thing that i have done to help me is doing your HOMEWORK. I mean watch as many videos on youtube and blogs as you can. Also make sure you understand your characters skill tree and also put some effort in learning about your how to bind. As listed above you need to some research on your character based on the playing style you like. For example i am starting my character as a Sith Warrior marauder with gathering skills of Biotech-Bioaanalysis-Diplomacy. Its important that you understand this aspects of the game in order to maximize the potential of your character. After i LVL my character to 50 i will start a bounty hunter. As far as PvP goes i would advise to join a guild, because if you join a guild you can learn how to play through experienced players. Also finding games will be easier and more frequent. I found that if i play companion and PvP at the same time i rank up faster and score higher with PvP Guild. Like any new gaming experience doing my homework has always been my number 1 priority in order to understand a game. If you need any links to sites with info let me know and i will link them to ya. Good luck.