I had around 2k. Then an awesome president lent me his farm and his eff5 axe, with a promise of 50% share. Five days later, resident.
Farm. Defiantly farm. And fish. To better enjoy fishing, turn your computer volume on high and have mouse in on hand and just listen for the sound of the bobber, and click. In the mean time watch tv or eat. You get tools too, which you can use.
This has been asked many many many many many many many times before when the fact is the best thing for a new player is mining or farming sugar cane.
It's pretty easy to make more than 10k mining. I like mining more than Farming, it keeps you on your toes with the lava. Plus I find it relaxing. It aslo helps to have an ore buyer like I do.
I buy ores(coal ore, redstone ore, lapis ore, and ironore) pm me ingame if ya want to discuss prices.
I do sb games, look for an arena starting and see if people have kits. If so, don't bother playing,the odds are highly against you. But if you find a good arena with a bunch of builders, go for I!