Try not to weigh your self down with unneeded equipment and medical supplies. Try to use weapons that use the same ammo if you're on hardcore and don't forget that a lead pipe when applied well is better than a gun in cqb and against smaller enemies. And also put your repair up early to get a robot companion called ED-D at a town called primm, he's sitting on the counter opposite the front door of the building with a dead courier outside it.