Preparing for my first BP!

Hi everyone! I'm new to this forum although I have been creeping on here for a few months. I decided in February that I am ready to add a snake to my life and chose ball pythons because I love their personalities and looks. I currently own a 20 gallon tropical fish aquarium and 2 baby Crested Geckos.
I am in the process of setting everything up for my ball python now as I have moved out of my apartment with a snake-fearing roommate and should be able to get my snake within a few weeks! :)
I have chosen to use a tub after extensive research because it seems like it will be easier and cheaper and better for my BP too! Good all around.
I just wanted to share my plans for the tub and ask a few questions to make sure I do everything right. I'm planning on getting a hatchling and probably a normal since I'm on a college student budget.

I have/ will be purchasing:
-15 quart Rubbermaid tub (http://images.lowes.com/product/conv...1691417545.jpg)
-10-20 gallon (small) Zoo Med Under Tank Heater
-aspen snake bedding
-medium Exo Terra water bowl
-medium Exo Terra reptile cave
-thermostat http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
-thermometer/hygrometer http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
- binder clips/ luggage strap to secure the tub

I've ordered a soldering iron to put holes in the tub of course!

I realize that I probably need a second hide, but I'm not sure how to fit it in the 15 quart tub since it's so small!
Is aspen snake bedding a good choice for a BP?
Is it really necessary to feed your BP in a separate tub?
Is there anything else I need to get or do before I get my snake?
I am a little concerned that the 10-20 gallon UTH will be too large for the 15 quart tub but felt that the smaller size was impractical and probably would not heat the enclosure adequately since I live in the Midwest and my apartment is not super warm (ambient temp about 69 degrees). What I will probably do is just place the tub over half of the UTH to make sure that my BP has a "cool side."

I'm sure I have more questions but I will update later if I think of any. Let me know what you guys think or if you have any awesome tips for a first-time snake and BP owner :)

Sounds good!

One hide is actually fine for a tub, as the area is more enclosed. Perhaps a branch or a little fake plant would be good for extra security.
Aspen is good.
Not at all necessary to feed in a separate place, most people feed in the enclosure with no problems with aggression etc.
Do you have a thermostat for the UTH? The exoterra kind that's cheaper should be fine. Even a light dimmer could be okay, but it's not reccomended.
The half UTH over the tub sounds fine, they just need a cool area incase they get too warm.

Yep, I ordered this thermostat from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...?ie=UTF8&psc=1