The words popular and common can be a little tricky. With your instant noodle example, it would be correct to use the word "popular" in that form. Something can be common and popular at the same time. For instance, with using popular in the instant noodle example, there are many types of instant meals that students could choose from. Instant foods might be common, but the instant noodles would be the popular choice. Just like soda can be a common drink among people, but Coke would be the popular choice. It more or less comes down to how specific you want to get. Here are some more examples.

Toilet paper is common, but Charmin is the most popular choice.

Instant noodles are common, but Nissan is the most popular choice.

Instant foods are common among students, but instant noodles is the popular choice.

Another way of thinking about it is if something is done by everyone, but it doesn't mean that they really like it. For an example of this, think of a subway. It is very common for people to ride the subway, but it may not be popular. Popular is usually used when a lot of people do something because they enjoy it. Here are some examples of the two.

It is very common for people to work overtime. (a lot of people do it, but they may not enjoy it)

Going to the beach is a popular thing to do. (a lot of people do it, and they tend to enjoy it)

I do hope this helps.