hey, congrats, welcome, all that good message.
you'll like that bike. later on, your preferences might lead to something slightly different, but you're good to go now, so enjoy.
think about how you will carry stuff. messenger bag might be fine, existing backpack also good. depends how much stuff. keep it simple till your needs force an upgrade. panniers can wait a long time.
tires - put some gatorskin28's on there and go. don't over think it.
think more about fit. you are commuting, not racing, so filter the world of advice accordingly. more upright, right height of seat and bars.
buy a cheap cyclometer for your handlebars. yeah, I know, everyone has a phone yadayada. you'll like the little meter on the bars. spend a little money on a good floor pump, you'll use it every couple of days. practice fixing a flat if you're not already good at that. get an under-saddle bag for a tube, a co2 inflator and a mini-tool (and an emergency $20, or currency of your choice). buy some cheapo gloves. makes a world of difference when you take that first spill. headlight, taillight, not optional in my book.
so, yeah, don't worry too much about the tires - lots more fun stuff to do.