My last few play trough's has been a archer hunter type and I aint done any of the MQ just wondered through the lands doing a few side quests here and there and just taking in the views.

How ever I how want to play a mage as the only time I played a mage was my very first play back when the game came out, RP is something that's important to me and doing that as a hunter is easy but I actually have no idea how I would go about it as a mage...any one got any ideas? Some input would be great

Limit yourself to only using magic, no swords or physical weapons. Also only wear mages robes, you should find a pair in Helgen. As soon as possible, you could try making your way over to the College of Winterhold to join in them. Basically try to be an outstanding user of magic, as opposed to a hunter or warrior.

Just following all the quests available in the college is a game itself. Besides the main college questline, there are dozens of side quests that will bring you to dungeons all over Skyrim.
My mages want to learn about everything so the focus is exploring and discovery.

You could also pick a scholarly specialty like Dwemer Archeologist and try to find and explore everything Dwemer.

seek all magic wherever it may be found, you are no longer plundering tombs to rid them of their foul occupants but to rescue the lost knowledge of the ages! you must embrace magic for the sake of magic and nothing else. the magic is everything. it is your blood. nothing matters but the magic.

(/ooc: thats how i roleplay mages anyways)

Basically what the others said: stick to spells as your only weapon (I like to carry a dagger for emergencies - I usually don't need it, but it adds a touch of realism), join the College of Winterhold. My wizard was more of a scholar, so I eagerly plunged into dungeons to recover books for Urag. Provided it doesn't bug out, this quest is a roleplaying gem: I could visit all kinds of places and loot to my heart's content all the while remaining true to my character.

besides what everyone else said pick what kind of mage you are.. crazy destruction or calm scholar who uses dangerous magic only when they cant run away.. then there is the eating and sleepin appropriately.. also find a follower after you've finished the guild quest at witherhold and make them your "appentice". take them around with you and what not..