Some people put the seed in a cup of water until it show a tail. Other place it in a moist paper towel in a plastic sandwich bag and check it daily. Just be very careful because the sprout is very fragile. So best to get it when the tail first pops out
I drop the seed into a shot glass of tap water, it will usually float. The next day i tap the seed and it usually sinks to the bottom. Wait for the seed shell to split and the tap root starts to appear. Once (usually a day or so) the root appears i put the seed inti a folded up paper towel and pour the water from the shot glass on the paper towel. Place on a 9" dinner plate and INVERT a 2nd plate on top and watch for the tapp root to grow to about a 1/4 inch or so and then plant in the dirt.
Get some fox farm happy frog soil, and solo cups. Moisten the soil, and fill the solo cup. Plant the seed directly into the soil (not very deep), spray a little water on it to settle the seed, and stick a baggie over the top to make a little greenhouse. Keep it warm, and it should break ground in about 3 or 4 days. Stick it under your light on low power, and
24-36 hour Soak in a cup of plain tap water in the dark, 24 -36 hours in a wet paper towel in a zip lock bag in a dark cabinet 
As you can see there are a lot of different opinions on the matter. The main point being moisture control. Soaking the seed first can help soften the seed making it easier for the seed to crack open, but it’s not completely necessary. I personally soak over night and no longer. Once the seed cracks open the reticle needs a little air to thrive. It won’t get that submerged in water. properly moistened soil or a damp paper towel both work. I think the paper towel is a little easier for beginners because there is less guess work in moistening the paper towel vs. soil. I wring out the paper towel first then put 2-3 drops directly over each seed. I usually have plenty of reticle in 24-48 hours
Would the room temperature matter? I was going to keep it in my bathroom with the heater running in a cabinet not sure if I should use the heat mat too ?
78-85 for the temp will work. Not so well on mid lower 60s. In the winter I use a heating pad for germ and seedlings