Succulents can certainly survive with some neglect, however they do need care in order to thrive!

Bare root plants
When you receive a bare root plant, plant it in soil and water it right away. 

Sunlight
Different succulents have different preferences for how much sun they like to get. Watch your plants carefully at first for signs that they are getting too much or to little, and move them to a different location if needed. Succulents will adapt to the conditions they are in. If they are kept in mostly shade and then suddenly moved to full sun they can get burned very easily. However if you gradually ease them into the new condition over a few days they will adapt much better. 

Signs of too much light - sunburn spots or bleaching
Signs of too little light - getting green and stretched out (etiolated)

Stress
Succulents show their best colors with a little bit of stress. This can be low water, bright light, or cold. But be careful not to stress them too much!

Water
Make sure your succulents are dry before watering them again. The soil should dry out but not so much that it pulls away from the sides of the pot. 

Temperature
Some succulents can survive freezing temperatures and others cannot. I've lost my fair share of plants from an unexpected frost. Sempervivums and Sedums are the most cold tolerant and can survive under snow. Most others will need protection and/or to be brought inside when temps dip below freezing. Here is an article with lots more info about growing succulents in cold places. I live in a very temperate climate so I'm not the best one to give advice on this :)

Soil for Succulents
Succulents need soil with good drainage. Staying wet too long can lead to root rot. Click here to read my blog post on making your own soil mix.

Pests
The main pests for succulents is mealy bugs. You can tell they are there if you see white fluff down in the cracks between the leaves. Click here to read my blog post on getting rid of mealy bugs.