Hi Unopiate.
You're new to the first person shooter genre? If so, you'll probably learn how to shoot in PR faster than someone used to a game where the sights are accurate (no settle time to allow the movement induced 'deviation' to settle).
I'm also 21, and from the UK. My reccomendation:
1) Read the manual from top to bottom. Ignore the Commander bits if you're in a rush (which is ok, you want to play, that's cool).
2) Download and install Mumble (search these forums for the PR version, technically it is still Beta and is different from the 'regular' Mumble, which it is not compatible with - PR only).
3) Configure your mic in game and in Mumble.
4) Go back to the manual and re-read the bit about being a Medic. Medic is the best way to learn PR, because you don't have to be a good shot, basically you just have to survive. Surviving is easy, shooting is not - This works in your favour as a new guy.
5) Join any server with a low ping, apart from PRTA or NWA (explained later).
6) Join an Inf squad (named Eng Inf, or the like). Once you're in, if they are talking over VOIP, before you spawn explain your position and ask them what they want you to do. If they are NOT talking over VOIP, and not cohesive, take a gun and learn the game by experimenting.
7) When you understand the spawn structure, how the guns work (deviation), how people communicate, and why you shouldn't just take random vehicles/kits, join the PRTA or NwA servers.

Join a squad and make sure youre on Mumble. Tell the squad leader what you've done so far (basically all the steps above) and ask him what to do from there.
Stick with Inf squads, because it's the quickest way to learn.
Tips:
# Don't take vehicles or anything but the Rifleman kit without asking your Squad Leader.
# Some squads are just terrible, full of people who go rambo or don't communicate. Fine for experimenting with (try out the medic kit or Automatic Rifleman kit) because the SL won't care. But not good for proper teamwork games (when you're in a good squad you'll KNOW it, and know why it's better).
# the '9' key is your Patch. It will top your health up, and if you're lucky will mean you stop bleeding altogether. Give it a go when youre experimenting.
Apart from that, just realise that if you take part 100% and use your mic to communicate (unusual and hard at first, for me, anyway), it will become second nature and you will have brilliant games with brilliant people. Sometimes you will do this and you will have a **** game, but it's luck of the draw - Not everybody is a good enough person to bother and it's a shame, but f**k 'em.
All the best bud.