What are the best ways to stand out as a new grad nurse?

It is great that you are interested in L&D- I have several friends in this specialty who really love it! It can be incredibly competitive for new grads depending on location, so it is great that you are thinking ahead! My best advice for you (and anyone interested in a competitive specialty) is to get your foot in the door by working as a patient care tech on the unit you are interested in while you are in school. Not only will you get to make sure the unit is a good fit for you, but you would then be an internal applicant for an RN position later on (and if you do a good job, they may recruit you to stay on the unit if there is an open position)! General volunteer experience and involvement is always good to have on your resume, but I don't think it will really help you stand out- it would be a better use of your time to focus on a tech position. Good luck!