I'm just a college student but I'm earning a extremely decent wage so I'm looking to spend some of it... Completely new to this scene but I did get the sense that P411 was important so I took care of that... Can anyone give me suggestions on where to start? I feel like most of the listings want references and as a newbie I don't have any... However, I'm well-educated, well-read, and have lived in London, Connecticut, and Shanghai.
Anyhow, I just needed some advice since I'm starting out fresh... Anything helps!!

joining here as well as p411.  

To start?  go to Reviews, then to search reviews and you will be given quite a page to preform your search functions from.  There are all kinds of women available, that's what makes the hobby so much fun!

When you contact a provider, include all of your information and your p411 number as well as the date / time of your requested appointment.  Not all of us are available same day, so be sure to read the providers website first.....    

Don't be nervous, a lot of us are very good at what we do and it is our goal to make you happy...

Most important is to research.  

Enjoy and welcome to our little world called the hobby!
xoxo
Jazz

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why thank you luv!!!

xo
Jazz

What's the best way to contact providers? I've tried contacting a few with very friendly and generic messages but there were no responses... I've tried email and SMS...

Try being specific.  Such as: "I saw your ad on XXX and am interested in making an appointment for X hours.  Next Saturday or Sunday evening, if that works for you.  If not, when would you be available?"  That type of thing.  

As far as the method of contact is concerned, each provider has her preferred method.  Email is usually not an issue, but most providers I know will not answer a text message from someone they have never met before.

Best advice I can think of is simple: read, read and read some more. Read as much as you can. Not just this forum. Not just this site. But keep digging wide and far to get a variety of perspectives and strategy.

I take it you're fairly intelligent so it's just a matter of taking in as much as you can then filter out the garbage to retain the real useful infos.

As for methods of contacts unless the provider specifically stated she wanted email a good place to start is a phone call or a simple text message.  

Don't kill yourself trying to please a provider though. If she's too particular or demanding as far as initial contact or reference requirement or rules don't hesitate to walk. No matter how good looking she maybe or whatever the afore-mentioned can serve as a red flag and warning that the provider is going to be a DIFFICULT and/or LAME lay because of her ATTITUDE.  

On the other hand a easy-going, laidback, down-to-earth, flexible attitude goes a long way.

Good luck!

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P411 is good for starters.  I can't tell you how it will work for you since you are brand new.  But once you are established and have a few provider "oks", it will be a lot easier for you to schedule appointments.  One good thing about p411 is that some ladies will list in their p411 listing "newbie friendly".

Some ladies will offer meet and greet type deals where you meet and talk with them first before the session as part of the screening procedure.  Unfortunately I don't know any off the top of my head, but if there's a lady you are interested in meeting, it wouldn't hurt to ask.

I've also found that if you are articulate when communicating with a lady, she *might* forgo the reference requirement.   But that is the rare exception rather than rule.  Likewise, many ladies have an age requirement, but again, if you are articulate and well spoken, she *might* be willing to forgo the age requirement.  Again that is the rare exception rather than rule.

I would stay away from sending work information, but since you are a newbie, you'll have to start somewhere.

If you are interested in someone particular, I'd go ahead and contact her and see how it goes.  

Its also been said already, but if you can afford to participate in this "hobby", then you can afford a VIP membership.  It is worth it, especially if you are starting out or new to the area.

If you haven't already do so, read the TER Self-help center (link is near the life preserver on every discussion board), also read back several pages on the newbie board. You can get a lot of good advice and information just by reading those two resources and asking about anything you don't understand on the newbie board.