Starting the pill!

I’m about to start taking the pill and I want to know if anybody has any advice? What should I look for? How long should I take it before having sex without a condom? I know the pill effects every ones body differently but if you have any stories or tricks you want to share; please by all means, share them with me! I’m kind of scared now since I’ve been reading all of these comments about it and I just want some advice on this thing before I start it!