Clubs
In general, there isn't a "best" way of finding clubs but there are a few resources that can be used to help find clubs. NYU Engage is the main campus-wide platform used and it can show a list of clubs that are available at NYU and provide reminders for upcoming events. A newer option is using the NYU student hub on Discord which can make it easy to discover more active clubs on campus. There are also the individual school club discovery pages though they often are not kept up to date (ex. CAS and Tandon).
Competitive Programming
Competitive programming is a great way to improve your problem solving skills and prepare for technical interviews. It is also a great way to meet other students who are interested in computer science. While there are teams at both CAS and Tandon, any student can join either (or both) clubs.
Hackathons
If you're new to computer science, a hackathon is a great way to get your hands dirty on some real world projects that you are interested in. Imagine it as a sprint-like event where programmers, designers, and enthusiasts from various disciplines come together to create, build, and develop projects.
HackNYU
HackNYU is a 48-hour Global Hackathon Hosted by NYU. It's a great opportunity to showcase your problem solving skills and technical abilities.
Vertically Integrated Projects
Vertically Integrated Projects (VIP) are a unique long-term and large-scale project led by a faculty member at NYU. After applying, accepted students enroll in a VIP course in Albert like any other class. VIP can be taken for credit, usually 1. Up to 6 credits can be earned over multiple semesters. Different VIP teams have different needs and requirements. Generally, you can expect to spend a couple hours per week on VIP. VIP is a great way to get involved in research and work on a project that you are passionate about. VIP is also a great way to meet other students and faculty.