Why do some people think it's wrong to shoplift a candy bar but it's okay to pirate software? Both are illegal.
"Because everybody does it" or "you won't get caught" does not make it legal.
"I'm only using it to learn the software". That's why Autodesk has educational-use only licenses for 1/10 the price of their commercial licenses.
"Because I can't afford it" is not an excuse. If animation is your passion you can find a way to come up with $145 to buy a 1-year license of 3ds Max. Ask your parents, your grandparents, or robotics team leader. Get a minimum wage job for one week.
Many of you will go onto art college then pursue exciting careers creating video games, movies and other digital content. Your income will be derived from people who enjoy your product and are willing to pay for it. How would you feel if they decided not to pay for it, but steal it instead?
I know I sound preachy, and to be honest I was guilty of software piracy when I was younger. Then I learned about the law, and about programmers, animators, musicians and artists trying to make a living from their creative work.
In this digital age it's easy to steal intellectual property. But it's still wrong.
Before you post a message saying it's okay, please read this document:
Software Piracy and the Law