As my old mum said to me when i was 17 & just passed my test:

"2nd class driving is better than 1st class walking!"

Don't bother with anything deemed 'cool' or 'desireable' by your peers. So look for something thats looked upon as an 'old mans car'. If your mates take the piss, then leave them in the rain at the bus stop, while you remain dry and able to go anywhere in your car.

In 1992 my 1st car was an Austin Montego 1.6 - really uncool, but it was a Ford Sierra equivalent, a lot cheaper to insure and did the job at the time i was looking at Golf's/escorts etc and were all mega expensive.

At the end of the day you want something cheap, to run for 12 months, while you build up your own No Claims Bonus. - there's the clue it doesn't matter how much of a shitter it is as long as it lasts 12 months & gets you your 1st year insurance under your belt to get that initial 30% NCB

after 12 months you can then look for a better car as you will have some NCB & therefore be less of a 'risk' and afford to insure something better/cooler.

Also opt for one of these policies that restict milage or usage between certain times, with a tracker perhaps.

I'd be considering the following:

Fiesta 1.25 Zetec - maybe pushing it a little as a cool little car
Rover 200/25 or 400/45 - mega cheap to buy, should last 12 months, then you can trade in for somethig better