Whether you use a TV set or a TV card, you'll still need an aerial!
If you're in a hall of residence, the first thing to do is to ask other students how they get TV reception. (Preferably check with people who are on the same floor and on the same side of the building). They probably use indoor aerials. If so, check what type of reception they get. Unless they can get a perfect picture with analogue TV, it's very unlikely that you'll be able to get digital Freeview reception. If this is the case, you'd be wasting your money by buying a digital TV card. (Analogue cards are usually cheaper). Also find out whether the indoor aerials, used by other students, require built-in (or add-on) amplifiers.
Sort out the aerial first. Then decide what you're going to plug it into. Remember, as well, that you require a TV licence. (That applies whether you use a TV set or a card for your PC).
Chris