Best snake for a beginner?

[Lhannah]

Hello everyone,

I am a college student who just moved into my new apartment. I am planning on purchasing or adopting a snake - preferably a baby that will grow to be between 3 and 5 ft. What are everyone's recommendations for a first snake? I need something very docile and friendly that will take frozen mice or crickets.

It seems like my options are corn snake, ball python, milk snake, or california kingsnake. I'm a little iffy about using heating lamps/pads because I'm afraid of overheating the snake by accident. Any recommendations or advice?

- Laurie