<p>Hi guys. Not being familiar with the area - what are some fun places to visit off campus when one has a day's worth of free time around irvine?</p>
<p>If you have access to a car next year, the beaches are some pretty popular spots (Newport, Corona del Mar, etc.). Disneyland is about 15 minutes aways and Knotts Berry Farm is about 20. There are a few malls close by like Fashion Island, Irvine Spectrum, and South Coast Plaza. For me, a lot of time spent outside of campus is to get food with friends 
A popular hangout is Diamond Jamboree with a good number of eating places, but it tends to get crowded. From what I know there are a few night clubs as well (V20, Shark Club). If you grow bored of the city, LA and San Diego are just a one-hour drive away. Hope this helps!</p>
<p>It does help! I do plan on bringing a car, so distance and transportation are not issues - although parking might.</p>