It's not so much the hitting that is a problem (although that does become so later as enemy ACs improve) as the getting hit. Generally mages have appalling AC, and up against an enemy fighter, you are going to get whacked. And with d4 hp per level, you can't afford to get whacked that often!
If you really want to memorise a Chill Touch, okay, but I wouldn't recommend it.
As far as I can remember, those two spells are the only 1st level necromancy spells available. Possibly a Sleep spell (Charm) or Grease (Alteration). Area effect spells are very useful for a low level mage.
Cheers,
TGHO