1997 Saturn 5 speed manual

I recently got a four door 1997 Saturn 5 speed manual. I was just wondering why it would rev. to about 1500 while sitting at a light and the car is in nuteral. And also what could I do to try to make the shifting easier it is hard to put into gear

How many miles on it?  Is the clutch in good condition?

Are the vacuum and air hoses in good condition? Has the throttle body been rigged? How does the transmission fluid look?