If you prefer magic or a staff in the other hand, focus on health with a side of magicka.Heavy or light armor can be used with this style of combat.

This is a deadly combo and if done correctly can be done simultaneously.

Wait until your opponent attacks, block, shield bash, then strike. Shield bashing is highly effective but very taxing on stamina.

If you prefer a shield, you may want to focus on stamina.

The one-handed style of combat centers around the use of a sword, mace, or axe in one hand, with a shield, staff, or magic in the other.

Some may consider this cheap, but it is up to you how you wish to play the game. This has no effect on your skill increases.

If a battle is just flat out too tough, decrease the difficulty in the options menu.

If you are near a city you can sprint back to the entrance and allow the guards to help you fight.

Do not hesitate to poison the arrow to really start off strong. Even if you are not a sneaky type character, there is nothing wrong with putting an arrow in the chest of the enemy to get some sneak damage and the first hit of the fight. Attack while moving forward, shield bash, or use a shout to watch them fall to their death. Start by backing yourself up against a cliff and circle around so that the AI has their back towards the edge.

Make your opponent take fall damage when possible.

This will most likely result in the AI walking away, but it gives you time to heal or shoot a few arrows. You will be surprised at what you can jump on.

Jump on top of rocks or other objects.

When you are just near death, access the skills menu and take your level which will fully replenish your health. When you level up, wait until a tough fight. You may want to note that if you have multiple levels saved up, accessing the skills menu will force you to take all of them. This is the process of utilizing the full restoration of magicka, health, and stamina with a new level.

This will allow you to begin maxing out your preferred perk trees. Take this time to determine what style of combat you enjoy. Within the first 5 levels, do not use any perks.

How to fight in skyrim