So I’d like to learn more about 3D modelling etc and was wondering if someone could recommend me the best/most useful 3D application to accompany my copy of Zbrush. Maya / 3Dmax / mudbox… maybe others? Never used any of them, are they tough to learn? Thinking of doing a short college course to get me started etc.
Thanks 
I would reccomend Luxology’s Modo. Maya and 3Ds will take you a while to learn. Mudbox is a lot like ZBrush (but not as cool ';). Modo does not do particle effects or animation but it has great modeling tools, a nice interface and an easy rendering engine that looks awesome and works well with ZBrush.
My $.02.
If you’re just starting I’d say start with Wings3d. It’s free, and more than enough to learn basic polygon modeling with. If you decide it’s not the right thing for you then you can move on with no loss at all.
Thanks for the advise, I’ll definatly check out the applications suggested. 
…companion for Zbrush is Moi Moment Of Inspiration 
The more easy Nurbs modeler at this day 
Try it, fabulous for all technical models : at the end you export in OBJ format for inside Zbrush
PS and the 1.0 is released since 2 days 