Congrats on getting up and DOING IT. Sometimes that is the hardest part.

1. Visibility is must. Get lights as you said (around here you can't ride on the streets after dark w/o lights). I use my lights when I am commuting both during day and at night. I use the "blinking" mode during the day. Catches motorists eyes better than steady light does from what I am told. You might also want to get a reflective safety vest to wear to add to your visibility profile. If I have to commute in the dark, I use one.

2. I suggest wearing cycling shorts of some type to aid with comfort. They make some padded liners that you can wear under normal shorts if you prefer not to wear cycling shorts for your commute.