This research studies the young university students and their representations about adulthood, as an autonomy experience, regarding entry into the labour market. By conducting a mixed methodology, combining quantitative and qualitative strategies, I seek to portray and to provide an understanding of the pathways followed in the transition to adulthood by young university students in certain countries in southern Europe – Portugal, Spain and Italy This study aims to contribute to deepen the debate on youth and transition to adulthood.