Hello!
Welcome to The Universal!
This game is in alpha so a lot of it is changing quite rapidly and I can't attest to the accuracy of this guide after it's been posted.
Firstly, do not hesitate to ask questions in-game. Many players will be more than happy to help you through the basics, just remember that we're gamers like you so don't treat us any different to how you want to be treated. Be polite, courteous, and let us know if you don't speak English fluently so we can keep that in mind.
So. You're a dude. On an island. Now what?
Let's start with building a hut. To do this we'll need some bricks which needs a hammer, which needs wood which needs an bronze axe which needs a smelter.
First, a map: http://theuniversal.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=9102. There is no in game map yet, we've not discovered Cartography so this will have to do.
Now, use the map to orient yourself and head towards the nearest Clay pile. When you are at the clay, gather some up. Click the clay when it appears in your inventory and choose "Use Item". You will be shown what Clay can make. Our first item needs to be a Smelter and for that we need Twigs and Stones. Use the map to find them, gather one of each and then use the Clay to make a Smelter.
Now we need to make some Bronze. Go and gather up some Tin and some Copper. Now use the Smelter and make some Bronze. Shiny! But that axe will need a handle so go get some twigs and use the Bronze to make a Bronze Axe. Now use the Bronze Axe and a piece of Wood will appear in your inventory. Using the Wood will list the Hammer as an item, but a hammer needs Iron. Go to your nearest Iron deposit, gather 2 up and use the Smelter to make Iron. Now use the Wood and viola, we have a Hammer.
Now choose a town you want to live in, then go to the nearest stone deposit. Gather as much stone as you can (you can discard the Smelter and Axe if you really want to but it's not urgent) and use the Hammer to make some Stone Bricks. With these, go into the Stone Circle around town and use the Stone Brick to build a Hut. Interact with the hut to Construct it.
After 10 bricks, you'll have your very own home that can hold 10 items and this guide ends here.
Where now?
You'll need to eat and drink. The water hole is dirty and drinking from it will make you die younger. Mit is threatening to phase out berries and nuts so you'll need to get bread from some of the bakers around town so you don't starve.
At the moment you've seen all the basics. There is currently a list of known technologies, which you may wish to explore, here: http://theuniversal.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=9091
After that, well, the dawn of civilisation awaits you!