Newspaper is good for new snakes. It allows you to see any mites that may be present, easier than if you had a substrate like aspen or cypress. And it also will not get lodged in the snake's mouth when it eats like a "granular" substrate can.
For retaining humidity during shed times, unbleached paper towels work well also. Fold a few layers and yo're good to go!
I never minded the smell of newspaper. Other substrates have much stronger smells and dust to boot.