Okay, I was an undergrad at MSU and lived for a year in Lansing. I completely sympathize with your desire to say away from undergrad-land, it's not your speed as a grad student. I currently live in Ann Arbor (about 1 hour away) and know several people who have made Lansing and it's surrounding communities their homes. Here's my top suggestions:

• Eastside of Lansing: This is a neighborhood that is between Pennsylvania Ave and US-127 along Michigan Ave. It's a quirky neighborhood that has good proximity to MSU. It has a few local establishments like Gone Wired, Green Door, and Emils which are excellent places. Rents are cheap and abundant if you don't mind living in roughly 100-year old homes (many of which are duplexes). Here is a decent rundown of the Eastside: http://www.capitalgainsmedia.com/features/esvg0203.aspx

• Old Town Lansing: This is the more established part of Lansing. You won't be as close to MSU, but if you like a quiet setting this will suit you well. Old Town has its own assortment of shops and restaurants. Here is their webpage: http://www.iloveoldtown.org/

General Suggestions

• Groceries - Go to Goodrich's. Excellent food, deli, beer, and produce. I know it looks like a dive, but it is the best grocer in the city. If you're tastes lean more toward Itailian, you can't beat Roma Bakery. If you're a healthy / organic eater there's the East Lansing Food Co-op, too.

• Restaurants - I could list a lot, but El Azteco would top that list every time. Try to get at least one margarita on their roof before you finish your time at MSU. Honorable Mentions: Woody's Oasis, Emil's, Crunchy's & the Travelers Club International Restaurant and Tuba Museum.

• Dessert - The Michigan State Dairy Store. Ice cream and other treats made from the cows on the MSU dairy campus.

• Convenience store - Quality Dairy (aka Q.D.), good cheap coffee, fresh apple cider, ice cream, and the staples you'd find at any national chain.

• Grad Bar - This is a toss-up. On one hand you've got your beer-drinkers at the Peanut Barrel. On the other you've got the winos at Beggar's Banquet. Both are solid choices.

• Books - The Schulers Books in the Meridian mall and Eastwood Town Center is a great Michigan based (non-Borders) chain. The staff are friendly and helpful. If you're looking for something smaller, I'd suggest the Everybody Reads on E. Michigan Ave.

• Stuff - There are some things that just don't get packed up for a major move. I would suggest going to Dicker and Deal to try to replace them. It's a great source for used furniture, bikes, and other household stuff that you might realize you need.

• News source - The City Pulse is a very reliable Alt Weekly paper that is printed each Wednesday. They also have a great event listing. I pick one up every time I stop in Lansing.

• Radio - 88.9 FM. It's the only one you'll need to program. The MSU student radio station is ad-free and a great source for new and upcoming artists. I would strongly recommend it.

• Day Trips - It's hard to go wrong. There are tons of beautiful beaches in MI (esp. along Lake Michigan). For cultural events you'll likely find more going on around Detroit, Dearborn, Ann Arbor, and the metro area. Williamston is a tidy little village about 20 minutes outside Lansing. If you really want to spend some cash though: Chicago is only 4 hours away by car.

Final words: I know you mentioned Haslett and Okemos in your post. They're fine suburbs, but I think you know what to expect around there. It's where Lansing's biggest mall is and most of the retail. Have a look into the east side and old town and see if you find any surprises.

Best of luck in your move and upcoming grad program! :D