It can be very easy if you are interested enough. It can be very difficult if you are studying without proper guidance. Studying it for the heck of it without deep insight into the subject can actually serve as a blessing in disguise since going deep into the subject can disturb some individuals. The subject can drive a student away from routinely matters (it may be disturbing at times but its a beautiful phase ).
So, I say proper guidance and patience ! The subject will become easier and less time consuming (otherwise you might spend months trying to understand one single concept).