Where is the best place to live near Irvine, CA?

I am a 25 yo single male, and have just accepted a job offer in Irvine, I am moving from Albuquerque, and am looking for a nice and somewhat cheap place to live near Irvine, I know almost nothing about Orange County real estate, Also I am going for my MBA @ USC and would like a place kind if in between that has a decent nightlife, things to do and outdoor activites (mainly golf), I have been told the Long Beach area and Wesminster, the problem is I have no idea what kind of places those are, I would like to get an apartment for a while untill I learn the area and meet people and then maybe a condo, any help or insight would be greatly appreciated