How can I keep up with a long distance crush?

Ive had a crush on a guy (lets call him P) all year. I planned to ask him out yesterday at a mutual friend's grad party, but he was never alone and i didnt want to do it in front of his friends. At this point, id rather just try to be friends than ask him out over text. He goes off to college in August (im the grade behind him), and he'll be out of state but still close by. I want to try and stay in touch, and ask him out next summer, if he's still single and I'm still interested by then. Ill hopegully see him a couple more times this summer at group hangs and maybe over winter break. I have his snap and number, but we dont usually talk a ton. Any tips for keeping in touch until this time next year? :)