Firstly avoid anything below Hull in the league tables. If you'te going to get good grades go for a red brick Uni with the facilities and funding to provide dynamic teaching and excellent opportunities.

Edinburgh is a really beautiful city and you won't find a better folk scene. Take another look at Leeds. I did Zoology there and loved it. Great university and fabulous and inspiring teaching. A word of warning - my girlfriend at the time did English, which is supposed to be very good, however she felt it was over-subscribed and there was not enough contact time and student support. Things may have changed now. I am currently at Hull and though certain courses are well regarded, from what I have seen of teaching in the Biology department, I would not make it my choice. Sheffield, Newcastle, Manchester, Warwick, Liverpool, are all good places. I looked round Nottingham when I was in your situation an felt it devoid of much soul. I was probably wrong, but first impressions count for so much. Good Luck

Richard.