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/. Note: Live BoilerTV services in Purdue University Residences will retire May 2026. 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).
What is happening to BoilerTV?
Effective May 2026, Purdue University Residences is retiring live television (cable TV) services. We are shifting our focus to provide high-quality on-demand entertainment that better aligns with how students watch content today. We continue to offer our Movies On Demand for free.
How can I watch LIVE Sports on Campus?
University Residences LIVE TV services are being retired in MAY of 2026. 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).
Why is the Live TV service being discontinued?
Most students now use personal streaming services for their entertainment. By retiring the underutilized live cable infrastructure, the university can better support the digital and on-demand needs of the residence halls. Free movies are available at https://streaming.swankmp.net/purdue
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. |
|
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. |
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.