I've never really understood how Nol would be considered "unpopular" in ILY's social context

Sure he could be an "outcast" in personal terms but if he ends up going to a European country, with no rumors behind him, he has a lot of potential to make many, many friends.

Superficially, he's very privileged:

He's a tall

He's fit

He's good at sports

He's rich

He's friendly

He has a charming personality

He's mature

Powerful connections

(I mean dude's would be jealous of Nol)

Sure there will be people who'll simply try to get to know him for their own benefits but that doesn't remove the fact that general people will find him extremely charismatic and want to hang out with him because Nol is Nol.

Nol has so much untapped potential and going abroad is only going to put him on the fast-track to gain power. Is he going to remain, the nice dude who helps his friends? yes but I'm hoping he gets a large, trustable social circle even in college....Staying behind at where he is now is only going to hinder him...