Rust is brutal for new players. This plan gets you through the first hour.
1. Gather basics fast
Hit trees and stones with your rock. Craft a stone hatchet and pickaxe as soon as you can, then gather wood and stone.
2. Build a 1×1 and a Tool Cupboard
Place a small base away from roads and monuments. Put down a Tool Cupboard immediately so nobody else can build around you, and lock the door with a key or code lock.
3. Upgrade to stone
Twig and wood walls are easy to break. Upgrade to stone as soon as possible, and keep the Tool Cupboard stocked so the base does not decay.
4. Make a workbench and learn blueprints
A Level 1 workbench and a Research Table let you learn items you find. Prioritise weapons and better tools.
5. Stay out of fights you do not need
Hide your loot before running anywhere. Do not carry everything you own, and do not trust friendly strangers too quickly.
Remember that official servers wipe on the first Thursday of each month, so nothing lasts forever.