a magic based user does any long time players have any good pointers for me? I didn't care for Morrowind much despite loving the way the world was built. I hope this one is better. I'm finding the character awkward to control so far

When someone gives you a quest, take care to notice where you're being sent. Also, get used to fast traveling and getting lost.

i would say ask in the older games forum and this may get moved to there sadly.
but the controls do take a while to get used to.
i had to go melee at first and will be a while till i get familliar enough with the game to use a magick user.