The only modeling program I've used is google Sketchup, but I don't think that really counts. Is modeling hard to learn? What are the best programs for modeling and texturing? For a project I may want to make an item for TF2 or a different source game if it is enjoyable.
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Nobody mentioned that all [url=http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/pc/index?siteID=123112&id=17355061]Autodesk[/url] products are free to students? I suggest 3DS Max, it's what I use. You can either texture using photoshop, or texture in Mudbox.