@Planner Um, I’m a CS major so I don’t really use the library for books lol when most of the books for my classes they usually post PDFs online or offer free excerpts online. Or I just use the Free and For Sale and the Textbook Exchange facebook groups to find cheap textbooks. I highly recommend the Stanford facebook groups (there’s a ton lol) to connect with other students. You’ll need a Stanford .edu email obviously but it’s a good place to start.
From what I’m aware of (and the few interactions I’ve had with the libraries), they’re very well stocked. Clean, great places to study, always quiet, tons of resources–especially the media there. I check out video games from them every so often. I used to study at Green Library a lot last year, because that place has INCREDIBLE study spots (the quiet room on the highest floor is A+ for studying. Incredible view of Main Quad, especially at sunset). I study more often now at Lathrop Tech Lounge because that’s where most of the CS office hours are and I just find it to have a very techie environment, which I like. And I love to draw and paint on the Cintiqs there.
The libraries have a ton of tools and study areas. They’re great places.
IM sports are a thing here, but I haven’t been a part of any, no. I did cross country for 6 years, but had to end after my last season in my high school senior year because shin splints and bad knees and sprained ankles essentially destroyed me so my “hardcore athletic” times are over. Most dorms usually have IM teams, and there are sports clubs to join, like the Running Club, Archery Club, rugby, it goes on and on. If your kid’s interested in sports, they’ll find a place to belong, no worries.
San Jose, by car, is about 20-30 minutes depending on traffic and whether you want to stick yourself on the horrible 101. It’s closer to Stanford than SF.
Every professor for every class I’ve been in has offered office hours during the week, in which students can attend for help. Most are available after lecture and respond to emails and the Piazza forum, as well. But tbh, the first two years, your kid will be in intro classes, which are huge, so getting to know your professor will involve effort and time. Almost all of my professors for my intro classes recognize and know my name from the amount of times I visited their office hours and talked to them. For most classes though, you’ll be more well acquainted with the TAs than the professors.