Is really hard early game. I'm doing college quests early game i'm level 2 going against 3 other mages that all focus you instead of your atronach is really difficult. I wanted to go destruction conjuring but that just doesn't seem realistic now based on Magicka costs. Any advice for mage builds?

Your only level 2 so you will get stronger. When you can dual cast destruction you will feel more powerful. I didn't hit the college till I was level 9-10 as a pure mage Destruction/Conjuration and I didn't feel it was that hard (on expert difficulty)

There is a good guide here someplace...I will look for the link...

Yes, I am also playing a Pure Mage, and just try and clear out some of the dungeons around Whiterun,

Remember, Dont be afraid to run away and heal. Conjure your Atronach and then run off.

I am lvl 19 and only just got out of Whiterun, I think you went to the college to soon.

I'm no expert but I'm pretty sure alteration can absorb magic damage, idk what lvl though. I'd use lightning on them tho it drains their magicka as well as damaging them but costs more mana

Use alchemy to stock up on restore helth/magicka potions, and think about picking up rage from illusion to get one of those enemy mages to attack his friends. Playing a mage requires use of all the schools. You're a highly adaptable but particularly squishy person as a mage. Using the right tactics is essential and you have to be willing to change your fighting style based on who you're facing. As a mage you'll find a certain enemies much easier than other classes will because you can use a damage type that harms them without the need to carry loads of different weapons. Versatility is your best weapon.

Word of advice though: if you're playing over level 40 don't make destruction the main focus of your character, because it doesn't level properly. Collect staffs for your offensive spells and use those instead if you can. If you're not planning a long term character then destruction is fine, and one of the best damage skills up to level 40.

I found the fireball spell (with appropriate destruction perks) really cost effective and powerful. It seems though.. that in big battles.. you really need to have your gear enchanted with destruction cost reductions or have some really nice mana regeneration. If you want though, going conjuration and at 100 picking the 'summoning two atronachs/dremora lords' perk is very strong. Dremora lords hit very hard, but it makes you a bit useless sitting behind them since you don't want to kill them when you cast spells. If you use spells like wall of storms/wall of flame.. etc it doesn't seem to hurt your allies/minions and does some decent damage to enemies. Also, I made the huge mistake of going full magicka from the beginning up until level 30...don't do that. You -need- to increase Health.. getting one hit by a trap or a monster that came from behind you is not fun at all.

I'm glad you said that mages need to focus on all schools, I was worried that I would be forced into picking one tree, is it possible to build staffs? Will late game damage for a mage all come from the Daedric princes you can summon? Also do you guys have any tips for gathering spell books thanks