what fish should i get?

schmoe, the best way to get a good answer is to list the dimensions - measure the length and depth of the tank (which is the footprint) and then people can give advice properly, according to the actual size of the tank. A 10 gallon will measure 20" x 10".

For a typical 10 gallon tank you just want to keep a few small fish, as it is a small tank. Bigger fish need bigger tanks, and you really can't fit anything much bigger then a neon tetra in this tank. You might try a little community like:

5 ember tetras

5 pygmy corydora catfish

1 nerite snail

or

1 male betta

5 kuhli loaches

5 cherry shrimp

or

6 chili rasboras

5 amano shrimp

1 mystery snail

These are the types of communities that will work well in a 10 gallon. For the most part you want to totally avoid larger type tetras, most types of barbs, any kinds of cichlids, anything with the word "shark" or "pleco" in the name, and goldfish.

HOWEVER, guessing tank size is a bad idea, especially if you don't have experience with tanks - it's very easy to overestimate the size of a tank when you are not used to it. Measure first, stock after.

If it turns out your tank is under 10 gallons, you should just get a male betta and several shrimp and/or a snail.

how many gallons is your starter tank? and I can tell you more. if you go with goldfish you need a 30g or more.

edit: get 1 male fantail betta

goldfish are good for beginner because they are easy to take care of. and they live long!

I recommend red wag platys or black skirt tetras. :)

get a black ghost or an albino rainbow shark