What kind of budget are you looking at?
For a first car, expect to ding it, so don't get anything you're going to be overly precious of, but do get something that gives you good visibility and comfort.
Buy with the plan that you can replace it in two or three years once you have a bit of experience and lower premiums.
I recently picked up a Meriva (B) for my missus and although they probably seem a bit bigger than you would expect for a first car and they're definitely not "cool", they mark pretty highly in comfort and visibility
IMO. They may also be just awkward looking enough that most young 'uns will avoid it. You can get some pretty good deals on these "Crossover" MPV type cars which are kinda like an estate city hatch in terms of the underpinning chassis.