BY THIBAULT NORMANT // APRIL 2, 2015 //

Watching television may be America’s favorite pastime, but it’s facing some fierce competition on many college campuses.

Companies such as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Sling, and ESPN on the Go offer low-cost subscriptions that allow users to watch movies, network programs and cable shows on an array of digital devices. From laptops to tablets, smart phones to gaming systems…America’s pastime is going mobile.

“When I get my work done I will throw on Netflix and watch five episodes of ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ in a row,” said Rebecca Coleman, a sophomore psychology major. Coleman said she typically watches Netflix on her laptop in her room, which has a television in it. 

“I always watch my shows on my laptop, on Netflix,” added sophomore Jessica Marra, an English major.

Interestingly, many guys on campus say they prefer watching traditional cable TV for one major reason.

“I enjoy the cable being provided here because my friends and I can all collectively watch sports,” said sophomore Robert Romano, a criminal justice major who lives in 886.

With the exception of Sling, which offers ESPN, ESPN2, TNT and TBS within its $20 a month digital package, none of the streaming video operations have live sports.

All dorm rooms at Curry College include cable—whether or not students want it or use it—and most students have TVs in their rooms. A major aspect of owning a television is video games, at least among guys. But many gaming consoles also carry Netflix and Hulu, making it easy to throw on a favorite movie or TV show.

Sophomore communication major Michael Demaio is like many people his age. His viewing devices vary based on his content interests. Demaio said he enjoys watching football on television, but favors watching his favorite show, “The Walking Dead,” on his laptop.

Various schools, including Bridgewater State University, Emerson College in Boston, Lasell College in Newton, Drexel University in Philadelphia, and the University of Delaware, now offer students Comcast’s Xfinity TV on campus. It allows students to stream live television from any mobile device anywhere on campus. Comcast began rolling out the service last year, and is looking to expand.

According to a survey by Xfinity, 48 percent of college students spend their “TV time” on computers, laptops, tablets and smartphones. You can be sure that number will only go up over time.