Job, Country and life relocation!!! Advice needed!! (Geneva: apartment, city hall)

[Weejordi5]

When are you moving? March or April
Where are you coming from? Geneva Switzerland
Why are you moving? New Job
Where will you be working? LaSalle University
Have you been here yet? No

Will you buy or rent? Rent. 1 or 2 bed
If renting, are you looking for an apartment, a townhouse or loft? How much can you spend? $800 max inc utilities ( if possible??)
Do you prefer hi-rise or walk up? No preference

Are you married or single? Do you have children? In relationship, no children
Do you have pets? No
Do you want or need a yard? No
Are you keeping a car? Maybe, more likely a motorcycle
Do you prefer bustling activity or calm and quiet? Both to be honest. Moving to a new country and a new city so wanting to be around places to meet new people etc. A good pub is something I would be interested in but really bothered about clubs and massive amounts of partying.

What do you want to be closest to?
Work
Shopping
Basic services (supermarket, drugstore, etc.) X
Nightlife X
Train or subway stations X

Do you want to live with people of a similar age, race, religion or sexual preference or do you prefer a diverse neighborhood? Not bothered to be honest. Girlfriend lives in Boston so would be nice to be a shortish cab ride away from JFK and North 30th street where she would get off/ I would catch the Bolt Bus. I am only 25 so am wanting to go out and enjoy the city and meet new people and be living In a location close enough to do that effectively, but as stated, clubs don't really do it for me. I am an originally from Ireland so to be honest i am much more of a pub kinda guy.
Coke or Pepsi? Coke!!!!

Cheers for any help advice or tips!!!!

[FindingZen]

LaSalle is located far from Center City aka downtown where the most concentrated nightlife can be found. The area surrounding La Salle is less than ideal, especially for a newcomer to the States.

$800 including utilities will be tight if you're planning to live by yourself. You might find this resource useful: La Salle University Division of Student Affairs. Perhaps you will find a graduate student or younger professional staff member to share a place.

There's a fair chance that you will end up in or near Center City. Your transit commute to LaSalle won't be too bad as you would just need to get to the Broad Street Subway - the main north/south subway line - and take it to the Olney stop. Walk up to the bus transportation center and catch the #26 westbound for about 6 blocks then you'll have a short walk to LaSalle.

You'll also get to know the Market-Frankford Blue Line aka the "El"; that's the main west-(north)east subway/elevated line. It intersects with the Broad Street Line at 15th Street/City Hall and stops at 30th Street Station where you'll catch the Bolt Bus.

Lots of pubs and bars in Center City including more than a few Irish-themed establishments.