Whilst the game is not overly difficult on any of the three difficulties available from the off there are some basic steps you can take to ensure an easier journey through the game:
Firstly scavenge EVERYWHERE you need supplies to make it through the game supplies can be found all over the place and will glisten when in site.
The main difference between the basic difficulties and survivor mode is Joel's listen mode use it all the time...enemies patrol in a pattern and you can easily use this to make your way through tricky areas using stealth.
That leads nicely onto the next tip avoiding confrontation is a must in TLOU, it allows you to conserve supplies and that is s important for some of the more tricky spots in the game. last thing you want is to use all your ammo and then encounter a bloater.
For such a good game the AI ecspecially around stealth is shocking you can get away with a lot, guards can't seem to hear you choking out there friend from two steps away and you can get really close whist sneaking and sometimes the game just will not notice.
choose your upgrades wisely it is better two have two or three guns fully upgraded than have a few upgrades spread across many, minor weapon spoilers ahead.......................... the bow is a must when you are considering upgrading it's silent and therefore so useful and availability of ammo for the revolver and shotgun make them good choices as well.
Trial and Error is important here you will die, but there are ways to limit the amount of deaths you have if you find a route to challenging you can pull back and try again another way, exploration is key and there are a variety of routes through different areas o the game. All in all the checkpoint system is very generous if you do die.
Hopefully these tips help you out most importantly enjoy the game