Is CSCI 2021 Supposed to Hurt?

Hi Reddit.

So I'm in CSCI 2021 (Machine Architecture and Organization). I heard that it's a difficult class, but I didn't think I'd struggle this much with it.

I'm on track with the readings and in class, but I'm doing the second lab and feel like I won't be able to understand/finish it by next weekend.

Does anyone have (allowed) advice to get through this lab and the rest of class? Such as additional readings, exercises, videos? TAs can't give out much info about the labs/hw and there's no partner work so I feel a little bit helpless.