It was learned with gemaras that by modern standards were poorly printed, usually without electric lights , and with no electronic options. And that’s how all Yidden were learning since before the Middle Ages. Originally much was oral, which at least made lighting less important, but that had ended by the time of the middle ages (period of the gaonim). And books were radically more expensive before modern printing was invented – when armies pillaged a city they carried off the books since they were among the most valuable, portable, objects around.
Admit it. We are spoiled. If we study was life was like even 100 years ago, we would realize how well off we are.