If you're look at universities, don't ever just apply for one, it's a foolish thing to do. Try for 6 of different entry requirements, so if all goes down the whole with the 'top notch unis' you still have a backup route (assuming you're not pants).
One I'd probably add to consider is my own university - yes I would wouldn't I
. The University of Derby seems to have some pretty modern facilities and seems pretty damn decent for their Art, Design, Humanities and Technology departments.
One of my flatmates is doing Game Programming as his course, he seems to enjoy it and from what he says it all sounds pretty decent, I also spoke to Baggers yesterday who is also studying Game Programming here, he seems to enjoy it too. Tutors all round seem to be very supportive, which is something you need, as are the university facilities. The course seems to start you off with C# with console programming, and move towards C++ for something more in depth.
The library is fairly large with plenty of computers, the atrium has a free wireless network and the student halls get a free broadband connection too, also everything is accessible in the city within walking distance, I get to uni withing 25 minutes, to town with 10 and a Sainsburys is a short walk away. The town has a lot of clubs, not just chavvy ones, the styles of music vary place to place, indi, hip hop, dance, emo, rock, alternative, metal, punk, ska...and so on. The university student union has plenty of clubs and societies, including a Computer and Gaming one where people are using XNA to program a game.
Of course a note on the halls, you're guaranteed a place in them and they are fairly decent, I already mentioned the free internet connection, you can either have en-suite or standard, you get a wash basin and mirror to tart your self up in your room, the rooms are a decent size and you can even apply to have quiet or not so quiet accomodation (Though you may not always find the quiet is quiet).
Plus there always seems something going on - so make sure to check these things out, I mean a degree doesn't get you a job in the industry, it's what you've got to show to the employers and you'll need a university or/and city that offers ways of doing practical things, for example one of our societies is a radio station run through the internet world wide and I've joined it, something like that will impress employers. So really education isn't everything, it just gets your foot in the door, it's what you can do, your experience and what you've got to show for it.
That's just something to consider, even if you don't pick Derby, hope that gives you something more to look at when looking for universities.
Also, don't let distance from home scare you, a train journey is never ridiculously long in the UK...unless it really IS that far, if you must aim as low as the midlands.
One last thing, programming and the computing industry seems to be very competitive, so when you're at uni, make it your number 1 hobby, make it your biggest requirement, make sure you do things all and around the subject outside of class that can offer you recognition - when coming out, this can really stick out against competitors who have only a qualification.
I shot the sheriff
