[6] The film follows the journey of Pyotr Gorokhov, a rural high school graduate from the village of Dyadkovo, who arrives in Moscow to apply to a prestigious economics university.

By sheer luck, he passes his English exam, aided by a young instructor, Valentina Nikolayevna Romashova, who had once been assigned to work in his village.

As the semester progresses, Gorokhov stands out among his mostly urban classmates with his provincial manners and strong moral principles, earning the nickname "Balamut."

When Valentina goes on maternity leave, Gorokhov’s new English instructor, Beatrice Bernardovna Sinyakina—nicknamed "BBC"—takes a stricter approach, denying him leniency despite his achievements.

As the second semester unfolds, Sanya leaves to join the army, Anya thrives in her marriage and expects a child, and Gorokhov improves in all subjects except English.