Any tips on making a habit of doing side projects

Hello! Im studying math in university and coding is central in most jobs for mathematicians, so i figured i needed to start coding. In order to hold myself accountable to building side projects i joined a club where we work collaboratively in groups of around 6 for 3h on tuesdays and thursdays. This holds me accountable, however since the CS guys are a lot more knowledgeable than me in most areas i find myself as a sort of stowaway. I dont contribute much, and therefore i dont learn much. Ive been thinking of quitting to work solo, but im scared i wont be doing the side projects at all due to having no framework or team to hold me accountable. How did you guys make a habit of doing side projects?