now that i know how to acquire new spells could you tell me what are some good ones to start off with?

c'mon raist, I thought that a powerful mage like you (who has been to the abyss and back no less) would know some good spells - just kidding don't worry. Try getting magic missile, chromatic orb, sleep (works a charm on human enemies), or at level two, try to get melf's acid arrow.