I haven't applied to the USA myself but I'm sure it's not too difficult. I would say Leeds and Durham are pretty similar and are best out of the ones you mentioned. Leeds has a very good environment for undergrads and they definitely seem to put a focus on teaching (rather than some unis where the lecturers are engrossed in their research). The earth and environment department at Leeds is one of the stronger departments of the uni, and as someone else mentioned, rent is cheap, nightlife is good. It's a good place to be a student!