R is one the best open source programming language used for statistical computing and data analytics.
You can directly install R from its website
Step 1 :Find what distribution of Ubuntu you are using
go to System-Settings -> Details
I am using ubuntu 16.04 LTS ( Xenial )
Step 2 : Got to https://cran.r-project.org/
Click on Download R for Linux
Step 3 : Click on ubuntu
Step 4 : Choose your .deb file ( I have choosen r-base-core_3.2.5-1xenial_amd64.deb )
Step 5 : Choose open with option and click ok
Step 6 : Click install button. This will install R in your machine
Step 7 : Open a terminal and type R
I am also started diving into R.
Happy learning R !!!!