3DSMax has tightened things up a lot. Initial trial is only 30 days. You can get it free for 1 years use (renewable) IF you can prove you are using it as part of a institutional course of study. This usually means some proof of membership/enrollment at a school that has been pre-approved by AutoDesk. Used to be much easier to get, and for much longer.
There are a few tutorials in the forums about using Blender, which IS free to individuals. They're pretty good, but are not completely comprehensive - so be prepared to ask for help from some of the more experienced designers, although most are using 3DSMax.