If you're looking for a full cable-style lineup (ESPN, TNT, TBS), you can pay for a live TV service on your own. These are the top "LIVE TV" picks for 2026:
YouTube TV: The best overall experience with 100+ channels and unlimited DVR.
Sling TV: The best budget-friendly live TV option ($40+ range).
How can I watch live sports or news now?
While the university no longer provides a central cable feed, you can access live content through many free or paid apps on your laptop, tablet, or smart TV using the campus Wi-Fi.
1. The Best "Free" (Ad-Supported) Services
These services are 100% legal, free, and offer "Linear" channels that feel just like traditional cable.
Pluto TV: The best for "channel flippers." It has 250+ live channels including news, classic TV, and 24/7 loops of shows like Star Trek or CSI.
Tubi: Owned by Fox, this has a massive library of 50,000+ movies and a growing list of live local news and sports channels.
The Roku Channel: You don't need a Roku device to watch. It offers over 500 live channels and plenty of free movies.
2. Paid Streaming with Student Discounts
Don't pay full price. As a Purdue student, you qualify for deep discounts on these popular platforms:
Hulu (with ads) | $1.99/mo | The cheapest way to get current network TV hits. |
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Spotify + Hulu Bundle | $5.99/mo | The "Gold Standard" student deal. Includes both music and TV. |
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Prime Student | 6 Months Free | Includes Prime Video, plus free shipping for your textbooks. |
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Paramount+ | 50% Off | Best for Live Sports (NFL on CBS) and Champions League soccer. |
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Peacock | $1.99/mo | Great for The Office, Parks & Rec, and live NBC sports. |
3. Live TV Replacements (Paid)
If you truly cannot live without a full cable-style lineup (ESPN, TNT, TBS), these are the top "Cord Cutting" picks for 2026:
YouTube TV: The best overall experience with 100+ channels and unlimited DVR.
Sling TV: The best budget-friendly live TV option ($40+ range).
Philo: Only $28/mo for 70+ entertainment channels (no sports/local news).
What are the best FREE TV options? - The Best "Free" (Ad-Supported) Services
These services are 100% legal, free, and offer "Linear" channels that feel just like traditional cable.
Pluto TV: The best for "channel flippers." It has 250+ live channels including news, classic TV, and 24/7 loops of shows like Star Trek or CSI.
Tubi: Owned by Fox, this has a massive library of 50,000+ movies and a growing list of live local news and sports channels.
Do I need to bring a TV to my room?
You are welcome to bring a TV, but please note there will be no active coax cable jack. Most students prefer using a Smart TV or a streaming stick (Roku, Fire Stick, etc.) to access apps over Wi-Fi.
Where are the free movies on demand
Connect to PAL 3.0 and visit https://www.housing.purdue.edu/btv/
Can I get DirecTV or DishNetwork for my room?
No. While there is legislation which states that renters must be allowed to install satellite dishes at their home when they have a clear view of the southern sky and can work with their landlord to have it installed properly. University housing is specifically exempt from this legislation.
How do I submit a Fixit request?
Follow this link https://www.purdue.edu/fix-it/. BoilerTv is retiring its LIVE TV services this May. The BoilerTV On-demand movies will remain available at https://www.housing.purdue.edu/btv/
Will I still be able to watch movies for free?
Yes! Our on-demand movie platform, powered by Swank Motion Pictures, is staying. You can stream hundreds of the latest Hollywood hits and classics for free at https://streaming.swankmp.net/purdue.
Where is BoilerTV On Demand?
Connect to PAL 3.0 and visit https://www.housing.purdue.edu/btv/
Are there Self Paid Streaming options with Student Discounts?
Yes - Use your Purdue Email to sign up.
Hulu (with ads) | $1.99/mo | The cheapest way to get current network TV hits.
Spotify + Hulu Bundle | $5.99/mo | The "Gold Standard" student deal. Includes both music and TV.
Prime Student | 6 Months Free | Includes Prime Video, plus free shipping for your textbooks.
Paramount+ | 50% Off | Best for Live Sports (NFL on CBS) and Champions League soccer.
Peacock | $1.99/mo | Great for The Office, Parks & Rec, and live NBC sports. |
Live TV Replacements (Paid)
If you are looking for a full cable-style lineup (ESPN, TNT, TBS), these are the top "Cord Cutting" picks for 2026:
YouTube TV: The best overall experience with 100+ channels and unlimited DVR.
Sling TV: The best budget-friendly live TV option ($40+ range).
Philo: Only $28/mo for 70+ entertainment channels (no sports/local news).